If you get an audition list that doesn't specify a particular concerto, just says "a solo of the applicant's choice," what would you generally play: A standard concerto that most everyone else is also going to be playing or perhaps something a little off the beaten path that they aren't already hearing 100 times that day? I can see pros and cons for either one, but just curious from the point of view of both auditioners and committee members...which one do you choose and which would you recommend? Thanks!

I've heard it's always safe to play the standard Mozart G major. However, if you have a choice of Mozart Concertos, I always opt for the D major because it's not as often played (this can of course vary from auditions). If you really want to play something else, pick one that you can play very well & really wow the committee (something I've heard from players). Nielsen seems to be acceptable as a such alternate concerto because it does occasionally come up on lists, but only if you can nail it. In general, you do want to play something standard that they will be pretty familiar with, but not TOO off the wall.