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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
3Firdaus 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
Section 0 | Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
THE VISIONOF FIRDAUS
1
5Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
Section 0 | Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LEARN FROMTHE LEGENDARYA.R. RAHMAN
2
7Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
Section 0 | Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ABOUT THEAUDITIONPROCESS
3
9Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
Section 0 | Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
WHAT TOEXPECT IFYOU ARE SELECTED
4
11Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
Section 0 | Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
FAQs5
13Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
14Firdaus Orchestra Audition Guidelines
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
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
FAQs