The open question
What is the application process for an orchestral position with the Berliner Philharmoniker? The open question What is the application process for an orchestral position with the Berliner Philharmoniker?

In this section we answer questions that you have always wanted to ask the Berliner Philharmoniker:  about what happens on and off the stage and about the orchestra in general. This time: How does the application process work when a post with the Berliner Philharmoniker needs to be filled?

In principle, it’s much the same as anywhere else. Whenever a position with the orchestra needs to be filled, it is advertised in the relevant trade outlets as well as online, including the orchestra’s own website. Anyone who feels equal to the challenge can apply. Applications are submitted by filling in an online form that asks questions about the candidate’s personal information and artistic career, including training, competitions, grants, masterclasses, orchestral experience and concert activities. 

Audio examples of the applicant’s work can also be uploaded. The orchestral department in question then vets the submission. With whom did the applicant study? How convincing is their artistic career to date? Do they already have experience of performing in an orchestra? All who score points here are invited to attend a formal audition. For this, the candidate needs to prepare a specified group of pieces. As a rule there are several rounds of auditions: first with the relevant orchestral section and then in front of the whole orchestra. At the end of the process, the orchestra as a whole decides whether a candidate meet its expectations. If no one does, the position remains vacant and the search continues.