firdaus orchestra - expo 2020 dubai

F I R D A U S O R C H E S T R AAudition guidelines

Ancient oasis, secret meeting place

Water gifts power

Hear

Rhythm of mountains, desert, and sea

Music, all praise of Mysterious One

Through memory and time

Location lost

Echoes of distant melody

Still, rivers flow under

From four corners into the sacred spring

Take a sip

And bright music will reveal

Essence of soul

2Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines


Contents

1. The vision of Firdaus

2. Learn from the legendary A.R. Rahman

3. About the audition process

4. What to expect if you are selected

5. FAQs

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THE VISIONOF FIRDAUS

1


In the Seven Heavens of Islamic cosmology,

Firdaus is where four gardens meet at

a fountain whose water contains divine

knowledge. Underneath these gardens,

four rivers flow. Similarly, Firdaus Orchestra

will become a fountain of inspiration as it

explores the region’s rich cultural heritage

through epic, beautiful and spiritually

uplifting musical journeys.

Firdaus Orchestra will feature 40-50 female

musicians from across the Arab world and

showcase their talents to a global audience

at Expo 2020 Dubai. By bringing together a

tapestry of different instruments, languages

and backgrounds, the orchestra will reflect

the UAE’s multicultural and tolerant society.

Firdaus’ musical journey will present

new and old sounds, approaches and

experiences. Anchored in A.R. Rahman’s

innovative and unparalleled style, it will

draw from musical genres and traditions

around the world while highlighting the

UAE’s rich heritage.

As an ensemble that celebrates, nurtures

and champions women musicians, Firdaus

will strive to tell diverse stories of women

and womanhood, including female

achievers and pioneers from the UAE and

across the region.

The vision of Firdaus


LEARN FROMTHE LEGENDARYA.R. RAHMAN

2


Firdaus Orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai will

strive to shape the future of music. Not only

will the ensemble rework classic musical

pieces, but also bring contemporary sounds

to the world’s attention and create

new pathways.

The ensemble will receive training and

mentorship from A.R. Rahman, the revered

composer who has sold an estimated 150

million worldwide. A composer, singer-

songwriter, producer and philanthropist,

Rahman has won countless awards –

including two Academy Awards, two

Grammys and a Golden Globe for his work

on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

Since achieving success in the Indian film

industry with soundtracks such as Bombay

(1995), which sold 15 million copies,

Rahman has gone on to become an

international icon.

As well as scoring films like 127 Hours

and Couples Retreat, he has been named

by Time magazine as one of the world’s

100 most influential people, formed a

supergroup called ‘SuperHeavy’ with

Mick Jagger, performed for Barack

Obama, toured the globe multiple times,

collaborated with U2 and received the

Padma Bhushan civilian honour from the

Indian government.

A.R. Rahman has also performed at and

collaborated with top orchestras around

the globe, including the London Symphony

Orchestra, the London Philharmonic,

the CBSO Birmingham, the Macedonian

Orchestra, the LA Phil and the Seattle

Symphony Orchestra.

Learn from the legendary A. R. Rahman


ABOUT THEAUDITIONPROCESS

3


First round

Share a video of your instrumental

performance, playing either one or two

pieces of music that best demonstrate

your expertise and experience. Each piece

performed should be no more than 90

seconds long.

Second round

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to

a live audition in Dubai from mid-April

onwards. At the audition, you may be asked

to perform one or two 60-second musical

pieces, as well as sight-reading and playing

written notation ranging from ‘basic’ to

‘advanced’. Please note this is a tentative

format, with confirmed details

to follow.

About the audition process


WHAT TOEXPECT IFYOU ARE SELECTED

4


Joining the orchestra

Following the live auditions, successful

candidates will be formally invited to

join Firdaus Orchestra. It is expected that

orchestra members will be based in Dubai

and fully available for regular rehearsals,

meetings and performances, tentatively

from May 2020 to April 2021. This will

include pre-event time orientation, training

and practice, leading up to the actual event

time from October 2020 to April 2021.

Note: For those unable to commit full time,

options may be discussed to accommodate

certain concerns and circumstances, if you

are offered a place in the orchestra.

During Expo 2020

As Expo 2020 Dubai’s in-house orchestra,

Firdaus will perform live throughout the

World’s Greatest Show, taking place from

October 2020 to April 2021, and mark

major occasions including International

Women’s Day. Performances will feature

either the orchestra as a whole, or smaller

configurations such as duets and quartets.

Beyond Expo 2020

From April 2021, Firdaus will continue its

journey as part of Expo 2020’s musical

legacy – performing live in the UAE and

around the world, collaborating with

classical icons and inspiring the next

generation of female musicians.

The orchestra will also create jobs and

training opportunities within the music

industry, while celebrating the rich heritage

of the UAE and spreading the nation’s

message of tolerance and hope through

its multicultural membership. This vision

aligns with the UAE leadership’s goal of

empowering women in all walks of life.

This is just the start of a once-in-a-lifetime

journey. Stay tuned for all the latest news

and updates on Firdaus Orchestra.

What to expect if you are selected


FAQs5


Video submissions:

What type of music should I submit? Can it

be an original composition?

The choice of music is entirely yours. Please

choose any music that you love to play, are

comfortable with and that best shows your

strengths as a musician.

What is the video format

and specifications?

You can perform one or two instrumental

pieces, each no longer than 90 seconds.

You can record with your phone or a

professional camera, as long as the music

is clearly audible and the video is high-

res. The video(s) must be uploaded onto

YouTube or another digital platform and the

link posted here.

What is the expected level of expertise?

Candidates can range from intermediate to

semi-professional, and must be able to read

sheet music.

Is there a dress code for the

submission video?

Any attire is acceptable, as long as it aligns

with the culturally accepted norms of UAE.

I am unable to upload my video onto a

digital platform. Can I send the file directly

to you as an attachment?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. If you

have trouble uploading, please contact us.

Video audition results:

When will I know the results of the video

audition? What happens if I get selected?

You will be notified by email within

approximately two weeks after online

auditions close on Monday March 23, 2020.

If you are selected for the second round, we

will provide you detailed instructions on the

next steps.

What are the main criteria for success?

What are the judges looking for?

In line with the vision of Firdaus Orchestra,

we are seeking talented women who

are passionate about music and who

can commit to participating in this

unique journey.

FAQs


Next steps:

I am not based in Dubai. Will I receive

financial support to attend the live

auditions if I am selected?

Arrangements will be discussed at a later

stage with the shortlisted candidates.

What is the dress code for the

live auditions?

Dress code is smart casual.

What if I can’t or decide not to attend

the live auditions?

Please inform us by emailing

[email protected]

If I am selected for the orchestra, will it

be a full-time role? Will I be required to

relocate to Dubai?

If you are selected to join Firdaus Orchestra,

you will be expected to be based in Dubai

(tentatively from May 2020 till April 2021),

which includes rehearsals and the duration

of Expo. Given the legacy aims of Firdaus

Orchestra, a commitment might be required

post-Expo. This will be discussed at a

later stage.

What is the salary compensation package/

honorarium for orchestra members?

Details regarding compensation will be

discussed at a later stage with the

selected candidates.

For further information,

feel free to contact us at

[email protected]

FAQs

firdaus orchestra - expo 2020 dubai

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