FAQ - UAE National Orchestra

FAQs for Musicians:

01. What is the UAE National Orchestra’s Mission?

The UAE National Orchestra’s mission is to build our nation’s orchestra on the foundations of Emirati musical heritage, connecting our diverse community with its cultural richness and exploring connections with musical traditions from around the world.

02. WHO IS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR?

The Artistic Director and Conductor of the UAE National Orchestra is the internationally acclaimed Amine Kouider with a 30-year career spanning Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. He founded the International Philharmonic Orchestra – Paris and has performed in prestigious venues worldwide. His dynamic conducting style has earned him wide recognition with many renowned orchestras around the world. As a UNESCO Artist for Peace, Kouider has contributed to global cultural diplomacy through projects in Algeria, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Trained under Valery Gergiev, he holds a masters in musicology from the Sorbonne and was named Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters of France in 2023.

03. Where will the orchestra be based?

The orchestra’s home will be in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.

04. What styles of music will the orchestra focus on?

The orchestra will perform a range of Emirati, oriental and western symphonic music incorportating influences from around the world.

05. WHAT ARE THE SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR MUSICIANS?

UAENO offers full-time positions with highly competitive employment packages, making it one of the top employers in the region. Compensation consists of an attractive tax-free salary that includes housing allowance, along with additional benefits such as medical insurance, paid annual leave, flight allowance, and more.

06. ARE MUSICIANS ON WESTERN STYLE INSTRUMENTS EXPECTED TO HAVE EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING ARABIC MUSIC?

A working knowledge of Arabic music, whilst not a mandatory requirement, is useful for your work in the orchestra.

07. Who can apply for to audition for the orchestra?

Professional orchestral musicians and singers who are of 18 years and above can apply to the UAE National Orchestra.

08. WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF AUDITIONS?

The auditions will run in two phases, the first is by submission of an audio/visual recording following the recording guidelines provided on the website. Following review of the phase 1 applications, only shortlisted appropriate applicants will be invited to attend in-person auditions. Timing and location will be confirmed via email in due course.

09. IS THE AUDITION FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS OPEN FOR ALL NATIONALITIES?

Yes, the audition is open to instrumentalists of all nationalities.

10. WHO ARE THE SINGERS AUDITIONS OPEN TO?

The singers audition is open to Emirati and Arab singers residing in the UAE.

10. Do I have to know how to read musical notes to apply for the auditions?

Yes, the ability to read musical notation is a fundamental requirement for professional musicians.

11. Can I apply to play both western and oriental style in the same audition application?

No, you are asked to apply for one of the styles. However, if you are proficient in both, you must indicate this in your application.

12. WILL THE ORCHESTRA COVER MY EXPENSES TO ATTEND THE IN-PERSON AUDITIONS?

Yes, the orchestra will cover shortlisted applicants’ flight and accommodation expenses for the in-person auditions.

14. If I apply for concertmaster, would my application be considered for a non-principal position in the orchestra?

Yes, the orchestra is happy to receive applications for the concertmaster position which would then be considered for other positions if appropriate.

13. If successful in the first phase of auditions (recorded submissions, where will phase two (in-person selection) of the auditions take place?

The in-person selection phase of the auditions will take place in Abu Dhabi.

14. If I am successful at auditions, will I be required to live in the UAE?

Yes, the successful candidates will be required to live in the UAE as the musicians will be hired in full-time positions. Regarding the part-time singers, they are also required to be living in the UAE to accommodate the rich program the UAENO will be performing during it’s season.

15. If successful, can I bring my family to live in the UAE?

Yes, as part of our commitment to supporting our employees and their families, in addition to the tax-free salary, your package would include appropriate medical insurance, relocation costs and child education benefits, where applicable.

16. Would the orchestra support my relocation and finding where to live in the UAE?

Yes, the orchestra’s team will assist its members by providing an onboarding program that offers all the necessary information to facilitate your relocation.

17. How many concerts will be performed per season?

As the official National orchestra, UAENO will perform concerts across all seven Emirates. Performances will be based on an annual season. The first season is scheduled to start in Q1 2026.

18. How many musicians will be employed by the UAENO?

Auditions over the coming months aim to select and employ from October 2025 around 66 permanent full-time instrumentalists, from both western and Arabic musical traditions. Additionally, singers will be selected for a part-time role to join the orchestra’s choir

19. What kind of repertoire will be performed by the orchestra?

The UAE National Orchestra will perform Emirati and Arabic music in a symphonic way, Western music, and will be undertaking new commissions that include influences from across musical traditions.

20. Where will the orchestra perform?

Whilst the home of the orchestra will be in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, it will perform across all seven of the nation’s Emirates, as well as undertaking international projects.

21. Would I be able to do other work whilst I am employed by UAENO?

Yes, subject to the approval of the UAENO, the orchestra encourages musical diversity and supports your participation in a broad range of artistic activities.

22. WILL THE ORCHESTRA INCLUDE IN ITS PROGRAM COLLABORATIONS WITH WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS, SOLOISTS AND GUEST CONDUCTORS?

Yes, the orchestra will collaborate with a diverse range of guest artists and conductors. This is an important aspect of the artistic strategy of the orchestra.

23. HOW DOES THE SEASON LOOK LIKE FOR THE ORCHESTRA’S MUSICIANS IN TERMS OF WORKLOAD?

There will be an annual season between September and June as is common in the northern hemisphere, with concerts delivered across all seven emirates. Within that season the average workload for the orchestra is expected to be around 8 calls per week. As the orchestra develops international touring and recording projects will become part of our work.

24. What are the steps for applying?

Step 1:Visit our website to begin your application.

Step 2: Carefully read through the audition phases and rules.

Step 3: Choose the category that best fits your musical background.

Step 4: Select the position you are applying for by choosing the appropriate instrument in the oriental or western categories or the singers category to apply for the orchestra’s choir.

Step 5: Ensure you follow the audition and recording guidelines, rules, and the action repertoire program listed for each position before submitting your application.

Step 6: Start your application by clicking on the “APPLY NOW” button.

Step 7: Fill in the form, upload the required audition videos and submit your application.

Step 8: After the completion of phase 1 audition evaluation, you will receive an email notifying you of the results.

25. I need to clarify some questions. Can I contact UAENO to get a response?

Yes, please send any queries you have to auditions@uaeno.ae

Contact: info@uaeno.ae

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