An auditionees' practical toolkit for the preparation of a professional violoncello audition in Australia with focus on Haydn's Cello Concerto No.2 in D Major Hob. Vllb/2: Movements 1 & 2

This research project is an exploration of the preparation and process involved in successfully auditioning for a professional violoncello position in an Australian Symphony Orchestra. The aim of this research project is to serve as a guide for an applicant preparing for a successful audition. A professional audition is a unique high-pressure situation. An applicant is instantly assessed on a variety of skills, with lasting impressions being formed from the moment the panel hears the first note. This thesis will discuss the literature surrounding this topic, as well as, findings from interviews with professional Australian orchestral cellists. Furthermore, I will provide a 'toolkit' for the aspiring professional. This will examine the audition process, looking into the criteria assessed during an audition, and performance outcomes. Finally, Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major will be discussed to illustrate the various factors that a cellist must deliberate before undertaking a professional audition with this work.