Senior Concert Orchestra
Being over 80 years of age doesn't stop conductors and soloists from performing. Musicians who are employed in an orchestra, on the other hand, do not enjoy the privileges of a world star, so they tend to desire what other employees are longing for. They look forward to retirement when they are in their early or mid-sixties. Things are different in New York, where the Senior Concert Orchestra smoothens the transition from the hardships of full-time employment to inactivity. The orchestra performs once or twice every year, and the musicians are paid both for rehearsals and concerts. New York, the cultural capital of the United States, seems to be the perfect place because there are many more orchestras besides the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera orchestra and a number of Broadway orchestras. The Senior Concert Orchestra has no problems recruiting new members who have reached a suitable age. The orchestra plays mostly for older audiences, but they also support young musicians, holding an annual competition for up- and coming violinists. The winner is featured as soloist in the orchestra's annual concert at Carnegie Hall. Winners of previous years include Gil Shaham who went on to become a world star. Georg Hirsch attended this year's concert at Carnegie Hall.
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