With one of my orchestras we have to enroll in something you call ‘concours’ in Dutch. According to Wikipedia this translates as ‘competitive examination’ in English. There are certain levels a amateur orchestra can compete in and ours is on the highest level. You can advertise this to your public, but in order to keep the title you have to participate in the competition every 5 years. If you fail to achieve enough points, you lose your title.
We have to play two works, of which one is compulsory. The director and a music-commission with members from the orchestra pick out the other work. Last night, we got it (although it’s not 100% sure we’re gonna play that one). It’s a famous Overture called Oberon (by Weber).
Cool YouTube vid (symphony version)
It’s a cool piece but the clarinet section has to do all the hard work. I reckon it’s gonna take me about 2-3 months to study all the difficult parts to perfection!