The shape of a concert weekend

A typical concert weekend spans four days starting with rehearsals on the Thursday evening, then two full days on Friday and Saturday (09.00 - 1700hrs for example), and a final rehearsal on Sunday prior to the concert.  However start/finish days and number of concerts can vary, so please check details for each event. Attendance at ALL rehearsal sessions is expected for those successful in obtaining a place. 

 

There are mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea breaks, and an hour’s lunch break.  A social programme is organised for the evenings, and often a reception after the concert.

Costs

The EDO is entirely self-financing and each member of the orchestra pays a registration fee for every

event they play in as well as meeting the costs of their accommodation and travel. This enables the

orchestra to make a donation to a local charity - usually with a medical connection - from each event.

The recruitment process

The orchestra is formed from doctors living in Europe (working or retired) and currently at or

above Grade 8 standard (or equivalent).

 

Places for a performance are usually recruited up to five months in advance of each event in

order to give players sufficient time to book leave from work and rearrange clinics etc.

 

Each section of the orchestra has a dedicated organiser who also plays in the section and therefore understands the specific requirements of that section.  The list of section organisers is here:

Section Organiser

Violins

Dominic Mueller
Violas Dan Agranoff
Cellos Regula Capaul
Basses Sophie Kreppel
Woodwind Karen Riddle
Horns Heinz Zimmermann
Trumpets and Trombones Robin Schwerdtfeger
Percussion Rohan Shotton

In advance of each event section organisers contact their list of players by email with the details, inviting players to register their interest in taking part. There is no guarantee that a place will be offered as many sections find that the number of interested players exceeds the available seats - in this situation the section organiser will make a selection of players based on a range of criteria, and send out invitations to play. Once a place has been offered you will be asked to reply promptly - usually within 1 - 2 weeks - to confirm your place and make payment of the registration fee.  

 

NOTE: DO NOT PAY OR BOOK FLIGHTS/ACCOMMODATION ETC. UNTIL YOUR PLACE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE SECTION ORGANISER.

 

Our section organisers welcome enquiries throughout the year from individuals who have not played with us recently or before.

 

Although currently most sections are oversubscribed, section organisers often manage a reserve list to fill places that later become available at short notice.

Preparing for the event

Music parts will be circulated for study and practice prior to the concert weekend.