Conducting Competition

As this event approaches I'm spending an increasing amount of time wondering how the thing is going to work. I believe there are sixty (60) entrants in the first round.

We each get to conduct a bit of Figaro and a bit of Cav, about 20 minutes each. The Figaro is rehearsed as a sitz, the Cav as a general. Several things occur to me.

1. I do feel a bit sorry for the band. 60 conductors doing their bit of Figaro is not going to be much fun for them. 

2. Who will the singers be? Each conductor will have 20 minutes to establish some sort of relationship with them. Anyone who has worked in opera will know how important it is for the MD and the principals to have an understanding.

3. Each conductor has 40 minutes of conducting to get through their abilities to the judges. As far as I know there will be no rehearsals with piano and singers beforehand. I like to work fast, but ...

Round one should sort a good deal, but it is going to be interesting to see what the judges go for. At least it's the same for everyone. I think 18 get through to the second round.

FG