FAQ

General Information:

·      Who can apply?
The orchestra is open to young musicians from all over the world who have an advanced level of music education. Applicants must have been born after February 28, 1999. 

·      Which instruments can apply?
Auditions are held for all standard orchestral instruments — strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, and keyboard instruments (where applicable). The instrumentation may vary from year to year.

·      When does the Festival Orchestra take place?
The rehearsal and concert phase usually runs from late June to mid-August, with a total duration of 7 to 8 weeks. Exact dates will be announced with the invitation.

·      Where will the orchestra (rehearsals and accommodation) be based?
The orchestra will mainly stay in Rendsburg. Accommodation is provided at the “Nordkolleg” and rehearsals take place in the surroundings of the “NordArt”.

·      Are accommodation, meals, and travel costs provided?
Yes. The festival covers accommodation (shared rooms), meals, and travel costs for all participants during the rehearsal and concert phase.
Please note that audition travel costs are not provided.

·      Can I participate again if I was part of the orchestra before, and how many times can I apply for the audition?
Yes. Former members are welcome to apply again, provided they still meet the age and eligibility criteria for that year.
Musicians may be selected to participate in the orchestra up to three times in total.
There is no limit to the number of times you may apply for the audition. 

 

Application & Registration:

·      When does registration for the auditions start?
Registration is open from November 3 to December 14. 

·      How do I apply?
You can follow the simple instructions on the Apply page. Please complete the registration form, upload all required documents, and pay the audition fee before the deadline. Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 

·      Was my application successful? I haven’t received a confirmation email yet.
Your application will be reviewed by a member of our administration team. Once it has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email. Due to the large number of applications, this may take some time.

·      Is there a fee to take part in the audition?
Yes. The audition fee is €50, or €15 for musicians residing in South America.
The fee is required to complete your online registration and cannot be refunded if you cancel your audition. It serves as a guarantee.

·      What method of payments can I use to pay the fee?
If you have a bank account in the European Union you can either transfer the money via Master-/Visacard, via Paypal or via Direct Debit Scheme. If your bank account is outside of the European Union you need to pay via Master-/Visacard or via Paypal.

·      Can I change my audition location or time after registering?
Changes to your audition location or time are only possible within the registration period and if space is available.
Please contact festivalorchester@shmf.de as early as possible if you need to request a change. 

·      I am only a couple of weeks older/younger than the age limit. Can I still take the audition?
Unfortunately, no.

·      Who can I contact if I have technical problems with my application or payment?
If you experience any technical issues during the application or payment process, please contact festivalorchester@shmf.de .

 

Audition Details:

·      When will the auditions be?
The auditions usually take place between mid-December and late February. Exact dates will be announced on our website together with the list of audition locations. 

·      Where do auditions take place?
The list of audition locations and dates will be published on our website.

·      Auditions for my instrument will not be held in my country. How can I apply?
If no audition for your instrument is scheduled in your country, please contact festivalorchester@shmf.de . In some cases, video auditions may be accepted.

·      Can I hand in a video audition?
In individual cases we accept video auditions. Please contact festivalorchester@shmf.de .

·      When will I receive my audition time?
Individual audition times are usually sent out about one week before the audition. This allows us to take cancellations into account and reduce waiting times. Due to the large number of applications, rescheduling an audition is unusual, please let us know about any time limitations on the audition day when you receive the confirmation of your registration.

·      When do I have to be at the audition location?
You will receive instructions concerning the auditions with the invitation. You have to be there at least 30 Minutes before your audition. It is advisable to be there early enough to warm up. There will be warm up rooms available.

·      I’ve received an audition time, but I can’t attend. In case of cancellation or changes, what can I do?
In case of cancellation, please inform us as soon as possible by sending an email to festivalorchester@shmf.de .

·      What is the audition procedure?
You will receive instructions concerning the auditions with the invitation. 

·      What will be the audition repertoire for my instrument?
We will announce the repertoire soon on our homepage. You will be sent a PDF-File with all the orchestral excerpts after you successfully completed the registration process.

·      Can I play Beethoven’s Violin Concerto instead of a Romantic concerto?
Yes.

·      Are the secondary instruments mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory. However, if you would like to present for one secondary instrument (for example, piccolo, english horn, or bass clarinet), please indicate this in your application form so that sufficient time can be planned for your audition.
If there are any changes after registration and you decide not to audition with a secondary instrument, please inform us immediately by email at festivalorchester@shmf.de . 

·      Is there an accompanist at the audition?
No. Our auditions take place without accompaniment usually. If you prefer to play with pianist, you can bring your own one but it is not mandatory. We cannot guarantee a piano at every audition location. If you plan to bring an accompanist please send an email to festivalorchester@shmf.de to ask if there is a piano available.

 

Results & Participation:

·      When will the results of the auditions be announced?
The results will be sent by email to all applicants at the beginning of March.

·      I’ve been accepted, what happens next?
Congratulations! As an SHFO member, you will receive detailed information about the rehearsal and concert schedule, travel arrangements, and the orchestral repertoire as soon as possible. Please make sure to confirm your participation within the given deadline.

·      I have been accepted, but I’m not sure I can participate in the entire SHFO season. What should I do?
Availability for the entire rehearsal and concert phase is generally expected from all SHFO members. If you’re accepted but not available anymore for the whole period, please inform us immediately at festivalorchester@shmf.de .

·      What if I’m on the reserve list?
If a member cannot participate, you may be invited to join the Orchestra. The order of the reserve list is determined exclusively by the jury members.

·      Will I receive feedback?
Unfortunately, due to the large number of applicants, it is not possible for the jury to provide individual feedback to each applicant.