What is a violin solo that will get you first chair in orchestra?

Answer 1

Although the piece you choose and your playing level may get you a good seat, it does not necessarily mean you will be first chair. Being first chair means you have to have good leadership qualities and good responsibility, apart from knowing the music inside out and your playing ability. There is no "sure" violin piece that will guarantee you 1st chair in an orchestra, as there are many factors to determine whether or not you can be first chair, and its more about the player him/herself rather than the piece. If the player is good, it will show regardless of the piece. Furthermore, it also depends on what orchestra you are auditioning into. In an elite-orchestra, even players in the back of the second violin section can play the hardest solo pieces. In a casual community orchestra, you may very well comfortably be first chair.

Nonetheless, here some violin solos/established benchmark pieces that are difficult and will impress the judges if you execute it well(again, playing these certainly doesn't guarantee you first chair):

Anything by Paganini

Ysaye Sonatas

Big 3 Concertos: Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Sibelius

Flashy Concertos: Wieniawski 1, Vieuxtemps 4/5, Paganini 1-3

Sarasate Gypsy pieces: Zigeunerweisen, Carmen Fantasy (Alternate: Waxman Carmen Fantasy)

Saint Saens trio: Havanaise, Concerto no. 3, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso

Bach Chaconne

Wieniawski trio: Polonaise in D, Polonaise in A, Variations on an Original Theme

Ravel: Tzigane