How to approach orchestras for concerto opportunities

[russda_man]

Hello

I am starting to enter piano competitions. I am 30, and struggling! I want to perform piano concertos with orchestras, and most of the orchs I have contacted are booked up at least 2 years. Is there any other way one can perform with an orchestra without having to wait so long?

Many thanks
Russell

[thalbergmad]

I really have no knoweldge on how to do this, but would it not be a good idea to approach a few record labels to try to get onto their list of pianists.

Companies like Toccata, Sterling, Chandos and Hyperion are churning out concertos frequently.

Thal

[Bob]

Try a school orchestra.   That'll be fun.  Of course they probably won't pay or won't pay very much at all but it is some kind of orchestra and a performance opportunity.  I'm thinking high school here, not college.  College is probably only focusing on their own students.

[furtwaengler]

Schools orchestras and community orchestras. I work at a school as an accompanist, and they've been very kind to me allowing me opportunities for solo performances virtually whenever I want. The conductor of a community orchestra connected with the school, a conductor with whom I also have played chamber music for fun on many occasions (good to get to know people in that way - he's a cellist - also I've done concerts with several of the musicians in this orchestra) asked me on one occasion to play a concerto, and I had to turn it down because of a conflict. The next season, he gave me the chance to pick the concerto of my choice, and I was fortunate to play with them last October. I called this same man and set up a Liszt tribute with the orchestra for October 2011, the composer's 200th birthday. He swiftly agreed on one phone call...for me it's knowing people and working with them in different ways.

[russda_man]

Try a school orchestra.   That'll be fun.  Of course they probably won't pay or won't pay very much at all but it is some kind of orchestra and a performance opportunity.  I'm thinking high school here, not college.  College is probably only focusing on their own students.

Thanks, I never thought of that!

[russda_man]

Schools orchestras and community orchestras.

Thank you, that's very helpful.

[Bob]

I remember hearing a story about a lady who used to hire her own orchestra.  She performed a concerto with them, invited people, everything.

Except she wasn't that good so people didn't know if she was serious or if it was an elaborate hoax.  And no one ever asked her. 

[mike saville]

If you're just starting out on this path I think the best thing you can do is to be flexible. If you can be available at short notice for a variety of dates that is very useful - especially i you can play a selection of the standard concerto repertoire.

Get in touch with all your local orchestras about future concerto dates AND while you are doing that also let them know that you are available at shorter notice should the need arise - you'd be surprised how many soloists pull out at the last minute.

[awesom_o]

Get to know conductors.

A friend of mine recently auditioned for the conductor of a local semi-professional community orchestra. The conductor liked his playing and gave him an opportunity to play a Mozart concerto with the orchestra.

Other than that, which obviously wouldn't work with a big orchestra (booked for 2+ years), you just have to try winning concerto competitions!

If you are good friends with conductors, they can hook it up...

[avguste]

Greetings russda_man

Many pianists want to perform with orchestras, perform recitals and other events.
Besides the obvious training, what one needs is to know how to self manage a career.
Do you have a website?press kit?business cards?repertoire list?
Having those items will help you greatly.

Then, find the contact info for each of the ensembles in your area/country and start sending your pitch. And yes, orchestras and other presenters do plan their seasons at least 1-2 years ahead of time.

The above are just a few tips to help you out.
If you are interested in knowing more about how to manage your career and more, please feel free to purchase my e-book on Self-Management
https://avgusteantonov.com/products-group-15.html

[Bob]

I'm also picturing a more aggressive, Konye West -style approach.

You know when, where, and what concerto will be performed.  So show up for the performance and kind of elbow the original performer offstage so you can perform the concerto instead.

[birba]

If I'm not mistaken, didn't Mitsuko Uchida hire the london symphionette or something like that and do all the mozart concertos?  Wasn't that how she started her career?

[Bob]

That might be the lady I was thinking of.

[birba]

Get to know conductors.


If you are good friends with conductors, they can hook it up...

And if you can give them more than friendship...