The annual competition aims to support young talents and promote Arab musical creativity, with a particular focus on reviving musical heritage, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
Musicians and singers can apply to two Ratiba El-Hefny competitions and the Arab Takht Ensemble Competition.
Ratiba El-Hefny Competitions for Arab Singing
Named after the late world-renowned Egyptian soprano and academic Ratiba El-Hefny, these competitions are divided into two age categories: one for contestants aged 17 to 45, and another for children aged 6 to 16.
To apply, contestants must submit a video of no more than three minutes, along with a small registration fee. The video must feature a performance of one song by Umm Kulthum and one song of the contestant's choice.
In the youth category, the winners will receive a monetary award amounting to EGP 50,000 for the first place, EGP 40,000 for second, and EGP 30,000 for third.
In the children category, winners will be awarded EGP 35,000 for first place, EGP 30,000 for second, and EGP 25,000 for third place.
Ratiba El-Hefny (1931-2013) was an academic and host of memorable television and radio programmes that focused on music over several decades.
She chaired the Cairo Opera from its inception in 1988 until 1990, overseeing the formation of new companies such as the National Arab Music Ensemble and the Cairo Opera House Children’s Choir.
In the early 1990s, she launched The Arab Music and Singing Competition.
Arab Takht Ensemble Competition
This competition invites ensembles consisting of five to seven musicians performing Arabic music.
They are required to perform one piece in a traditional Arabic musical form (Samai or Longa) and another piece of their own choice.
Video and symbolic registration fees should be submitted before the deadline.
The winning ensemble will be awarded EGP 70,000.
Notes to applicants
The deadline for registration to participate in the competitions is 30 September.
Follow this link to apply.
For inquiries and details, contact via email: [email protected] or phone: +20 2 27390144 / 27390132
Cairo Opera House will provide full accommodation and internal transportation for international finalists; however, the participants are responsible for the cost of their arrival in Cairo.
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