Final call for musicians to join Expo 2020 Dubai’s Firdaus Women’s Orchestra

A final call has been put out for female musicians to submit their audition videos for Expo 2020 Dubai’s Firdaus Women’s Orchestra, for the chance of receiving training and mentorship by Grammy and Oscar winner AR Rahman.

With submissions closing on 13 February 2021, intermediate to semi-professional female musicians across the Arab world are invited to apply now to join the orchestra, which will perform a fusion styles and genres on the global stage of Expo 2020.

Expo 2020’s in-house orchestra will be creatively led and mentored by renowned composer and songwriter AR Rahman, who will create the music for the orchestra’s inaugural performance. It will feature 50 female musicians, showcasing their talents to a global audience.

Audition submissions launched in 2020, with the application link temporarily closed while Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Member States voted in favour of postponing the World Expo by one year, to allow all participants to safely navigate the impact of COVID-19.

A total of 100 women will be chosen from the 2020 and 2021 audition submissions for face-to-face auditions in Dubai, with 50 of those 100 selected for roles in the orchestra. Rehearsals will begin in summer 2021, and those selected will be based in Dubai for the duration of Expo 2020.

Apply now for the Firdaus Women’s Orchestra by submitting a video audition via here, which also contains full criteria and information for applications.