FIRDAUS ORCHESTRA Auditions Guideline 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

Firdaus Orchestra Auditions Guideline 2 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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1 THE VISION OF FIRDAUS The vision of Firdaus

In the Seven Heavens of Islamic cosmology, Firdaus’ musical journey will present Firdaus is where four gardens meet at new and old sounds, approaches and a fountain whose water contains divine experiences. Anchored in A.R. Rahman’s knowledge. Underneath these gardens, innovative and unparalleled style, it will four rivers flow. Similarly, Firdaus Orchestra draw from musical genres and traditions will become a fountain of inspiration as it around the world while highlighting the explores the region’s rich cultural heritage UAE’s rich heritage. through epic, beautiful and spiritually uplifting musical journeys. As an ensemble that celebrates, nurtures and champions women musicians, Firdaus Firdaus Orchestra aims to feature 40-50 will strive to tell diverse stories of women women musicians from across the Arab and womanhood, including female world and showcase their talents to a achievers and pioneers from the UAE and global audience at Expo 2020 Dubai. By across the region. bringing together a tapestry of different instruments, languages and backgrounds, the orchestra will reflect the UAE’s multicultural and tolerant society.

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2 LEARN FROM THE LEGENDARY A.R. RAHMAN Learn from the legendary A. R. Rahman

Firdaus Orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai will Since achieving success in the Indian film strive to shape the future of music. Not only industry with soundtracks such as will the ensemble rework classic musical (1995), which sold 15 million copies, pieces, but also bring contemporary sounds Rahman has gone on to become an to the world’s attention and create international icon. new pathways. As well as scoring films like The ensemble will receive training and and Couples Retreat, he has been named mentorship from A.R. Rahman, the revered by Time magazine as one of the world’s composer who has sold an estimated 150 100 most influential people, formed a million worldwide. A composer, singer- supergroup called ‘SuperHeavy’ with songwriter, producer and philanthropist, , performed for Barack Rahman has won countless awards – Obama, toured the globe multiple times, including two Academy Awards, two collaborated with U2 and received the Grammys and a Golden Globe for his work Padma Bhushan civilian honour from the on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. Indian government.

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3 ABOUT THE AUDITION PROCESS About the audition process

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. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday March 23, 2020.

Second round Shortlisted candidates will be invited via email 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.

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4 WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU ARE SELECTED What to expect if you are selected

Joining the orchestra Beyond Expo 2020 Following the live auditions, successful From April 2021, Firdaus will continue its candidates will be formally invited to journey as part of Expo 2020’s musical join Firdaus Orchestra. It is expected that legacy – performing live in the UAE and orchestra members will be based in Dubai around the world, collaborating with and fully available for regular rehearsals, classical icons and inspiring the next meetings and performances, tentatively generation of female musicians. from May 2020 to April 2021. This will include pre-event time orientation, training The orchestra will also create jobs and and practice, leading up to the actual event training opportunities within the music time from October 2020 to April 2021. industry, while celebrating the rich heritage Note: For those unable to commit full time, of the UAE and spreading the nation’s options may be discussed to accommodate message of tolerance and hope through certain concerns and circumstances, if you its multicultural membership. This vision are offered a place in the orchestra. aligns with the UAE leadership’s goal of empowering women in all walks of life. During Expo 2020 As Expo 2020 Dubai’s in-house orchestra, This is just the start of a once-in-a-lifetime Firdaus will perform live throughout the journey. Stay tuned for all the latest news World’s Greatest Show, taking place from and updates on Firdaus Orchestra. 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.

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5 FAQs FAQs

Video submissions: What type of music should submit? Can it I am unable to upload my video onto a be an original composition? digital platform. Can I send the file directly The choice of music is entirely yours. Please to you as an attachment? choose any music that you love to play and Unfortunately, this is not possible. If you know inside-out. have trouble uploading, please contact us.

What is the video format Video audition results: and specifications? When will I know the results of the video You can perform one or two instrumental audition? What happens if I get selected? pieces, each no longer than 90 seconds. You will be notified by email within You can record with your phone or a approximately two weeks after online professional camera, as long as the music auditions close on Monday March 23, 2020. is clearly audible and the video is high- If you are selected for the second round, we res. The video(s) must be uploaded onto will provide you detailed instructions on the YouTube or another digital platform and the next steps. link posted here. What are the main criteria for success? What is the expected level of expertise? What are the judges looking for? Candidates can range from intermediate to In line with the vision of Firdaus Orchestra, semi-professional, and must be able to read we are seeking talented women who sheet music. are passionate about music and who can commit to participating in this Is there a dress code for the unique journey. submission video? Any attire is acceptable, as long as it aligns with the culturally accepted norms of UAE.

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Next steps: What is the salary compensation package/ I am not based in Dubai. Will I receive honorarium for orchestra members? financial support to attend the live Details regarding compensation will be auditions if I am selected? discussed at a later stage with the Arrangements will be discussed at a later selected candidates. stage with the shortlisted candidates. For further information, What is the dress code for the feel free to contact us at live auditions? [email protected] 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.

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