Posted by Volker on December 08, 2002 at 09:22:54:
Just learnt from a today TV report, that for every individual German orchestra pro vacancy 100 aspirants run for getting the job on average. Conservatory students were interviewed and pointed out, that a daily minimum training of 7 - 8 hours is a must, should there be any chance at all in their later professiional life. More and more opening to East Europe and it's enormous high level musician potential will not release and relax this "squeeze", but cause a further run towards Western vacancies.
It would be interesting to compare the situation to the U.S.
Another interesting question would be: How is the usual inter orchestral social climate?
Any mobbing? Any sexism? Any internal resistance vs. conductor? I remember even a boycott situation that came up some years ago in the BPO because of orch. members' dislike of conductor contract politics.
So, what a huge enthusiasm is necessary to strive for that profession! All my respect!