Marie, are you aware that we have a dedicated sub forum for classical mandolin?
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/f...al-Renaissance
You will get lots of specialised help there from people who play classical every day, and also belong to orchestras and smaller classical ensembles.
Choice of instrument comes down to two sometimes polar things: what you like, and what your ensemble expects of you. Most amateur orchestras will accept whatever you turn up with, as they are always on the lookout for members, in which case just play what pleases you most. However, there are a number of orchestras which associate themselves with a particular type of mandolin - be it bowl-back Italian or German, or US Gibson F-style - which helps to give a more unified sound to the group.
You might want to write your post again for the Classical sub forum, as many members just visit that area of Mandolin Cafe, and might never see your post. From my experience, they are an incredibly welcoming and helpful bunch.