Appointment of Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi as Director General of the UAE National Orchestra

The National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates announced today the appointment of Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi as Director General of the Orchestra.

Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi, through her extensive experience in developing cultural and creative industries in the UAE, will lead the orchestra in a direction that enhances innovation and strengthens its role as a leading cultural institution.

Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi expressed her happiness at being appointed to the position of Director General of the National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates, pointing out that this work represents a joint effort, and she looks forward to working with a dedicated team to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for music in the country.

She emphasized that this orchestra represents more than just music; It is a symbol of commitment to celebrating cultural heritage and promoting creative excellence, expressing its aspiration to make the UAE a center for musical innovation and cultural exchange.

Amin Qwaider, who has more than three decades of experience in merging Eastern and Western musical traditions, was also appointed as Artistic Director and Conductor of the UAE National Orchestra.

Kouider conducted several major orchestras in France and the region, founded the International Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, and was honored with the title of “Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters” from the French Republic.

Under his leadership, the orchestra will play a pivotal role in transforming the local arts scene and promoting artistic and creative growth.

Qwaider said that the orchestra’s mission is to honor the UAE’s cultural heritage while encouraging musical exploration and innovation, and the goal is to provide a space where musicians can experiment with new sounds and styles, which promotes cross-cultural dialogue and celebrates the Emirati musical heritage on a global level.

He expressed his enthusiasm for the responses the orchestra received to its invitation to apply for auditions, calling on musicians to apply no later than January 26, 2025 to join this ambitious vision.

The National Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates seeks to attract elite exceptional talent from the age of 18 years and above to fill permanent positions in both Arab and Western orchestras, with the aim of bringing together the individual voices that make up the fabric of Emirati culture.

Each job represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of diverse music, including Emirati music, Western symphonic pieces, and new works that open creative horizons, which contributes to enhancing communication between cultures and civilizations and achieving the highest levels of musical creativity.

The orchestra invites applicants from musicians and singers interested in these positions, to submit a high-quality video recording that demonstrates their technical and musical skills.

These recordings help the jury in evaluating the first stage of the auditions, and the candidates who are selected for the second phase will be invited to a personal audition held in the capital, Abu Dhabi, where they will perform before a jury with experience in both technical and artistic aspects, and selection will be based on merit. Candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional musical aptitude.

Each category will have specific requirements for auditions for both stages, which can be found in detail on the orchestra’s official website www.UAENationalOrchestra.ae.

Musicians interested in applying must visit the website to review the instructions and complete the application form. Applicants must submit an audio and video recording in accordance with the instructions shown. Applications must be submitted no later than January 26, 2025.