At 37, Charles Benaroya is an experienced musician who has performed with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada and the Toronto Opera, among others.
Published yesterday at 7:00 am.
The trombonist, originally from Montreal, had lived and worked in the Queen City for several years. However, he hoped to return to his hometown, where his family still lives. And forever dreamed of the OSM, “the best orchestra in the country.”
“This orchestra inspired me a lot when I was young. While learning, I played pieces from the OSM in a loop. It was my dream. »
But it’s not every day that one of the two tenor trombone positions becomes available for the orchestra, and he had already somewhat given up on that.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Charles Benaroya
The last time there was an audition was in 1999! I never thought I would ever get the chance to try it. My predecessor retired quite early; she could have stayed another 10 years if she wanted.
Charles Benaroya
That is, he seized the opportunity when it presented itself. His hearing took place in December 2021, in the middle of a pandemic. A special context since everything was closed, he hadn’t played for a long time. “It took me several months to get back into shape specifically for this audition. »
He admits that he put a lot of pressure on himself. But Charles Benaroya is used to auditions: He’s played more than 30 times in his career… and lost a lot more than he won, he says with a smile. He has known for a long time that, in addition to being “good on the instrument,” there is another talent that needs to be developed, namely being able to play well despite the storm of emotions.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Charles Benaroya in the musicians’ room, before the concert on September 21st. “It’s much less stressful at a concert. It’s comforting to be in a team and it’s easier to play with OSM colleagues. »
“I am very nervous when I audition. I feel butterflies, my lips are dry, my hands are cold… but I know it’s going to happen so it doesn’t surprise me. I can use my preparation to play as best as I can. I feel the emotions, but they don’t affect me in the game. The preparation takes over. »
Out of around thirty candidates in the first round that morning, Charles Benaroya was one of the three finalists in the final round. “It is often difficult for me to judge whether I have played well. Every time I progressed through that audition, I was surprised. »
In the final, the anticipation becomes “more and more extreme”. Especially since he knew that it was entirely possible that no one would get caught in the end. “The more renowned the orchestra, the more selective the candidates will be. I was very aware that no one was going to win. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Preparation before going on stage
The wait for the results is taking so long that he is convinced his chances are nil. Then he sees the chairman of the jury coming through a glass door with a very serious expression. “He opened the door, said ‘Congratulations’ and then left. I almost fell out of my chair. I will never forget this moment. »
honeymoon
Relief at the idea of returning to Montreal, pride at the idea of playing with these “incredible colleagues”: the trombonist could hardly believe his luck. He received his appointment in October 2022 and a year later, his new job still meets his expectations.
“We always imagine that the honeymoon is over, but it’s not over yet. I’m always looking forward to getting to work and playing this great repertoire. »
He advises aspiring musicians to never be discouraged. “There is also an element of luck in auditions. There were auditions where I did well, but it wasn’t the style they wanted. What can we do ? But every time you learn from your mistakes and try to improve. »