Call for auditions: Isis String Orchestra in Cairo

In 2016, violinist Khaled Saleh, in collaboration with independent arts centre Osiris for Art Production and Training, founded the Osiris String Orchestra, an ensemble which until 2018 aimed to develop and provide performance opportunities to amateur musicians. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the orchestra suspended its activities in 2018.

Saleh has now unveiled the Isis String Orchestra to develop the classical music scene in Cairo and provide amateur musicians with an opportunity to be part of an orchestra and become professional musicians.

The successful musicians will be trained for about three months before joining the orchestra onstage for a series of concerts scheduled to begin on 4 September. Group rehearsal will be conducted once a week, with additional work done online.

"I hope to hold a concert after the completion of our first season which begins in September," Saleh said. "In case the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, we will do some virtual projects, videos to be posted online, and so on."

"We have many people playing string instruments on a hobbyist basis, and mostly their efforts are limited to taking courses here and there. With the Isis String Orchestra, we can provide a platform for those talents to nurture their passion and perform in front of the audience."

Requirements

The applicants must:

• Be 18 years and above.
• Have some experience in playing the violin, viola or cello.
• Have the basics of reading music.
• Be resident in Cairo, Egypt.

Interested musicians can apply by submitting a letter of intent to [email protected].