RIYADH: Applications are now being accepted from performers wishing to join the National Music Band, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aims to form a Saudi ensemble that will represent the Kingdom at local and international events.

Applications can be submitted until March 19 through https://engage.moc.gov.sa/music. Auditions take place from March 25 to 31, the Music Commission said, and selected candidates will be announced on April 3.

Applicants must be aged between 23 and 50, have at least three years of musical experience, be able to play the main Eastern maqams (melodic modes) and be able to perform within an ensemble in order to qualify for auditions.

Applicants must also upload a two-minute video playing the instrument they are competent in. Eligible string instruments are the violin, viola, cello, contrabass, oud, qanun, guitar and bass guitar. Only the flute is eligible from among woodwind instruments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The National Music Band, which will be supervised by Saudi musician Dr. Abdel Rab Idris, will represent Saudi Arabia in regional and international events, empower Saudi talent and promote the Saudi musical heritage around the world.

• Applicants must be aged between 23 and 50, have at least three years of musical experience, be able to play the main Eastern maqams (melodic modes) and be able to perform within an ensemble in order to qualify for auditions.

• Applications can be submitted until March 19 through https://engage.moc.gov.sa/music. Auditions take place from March 25 to 31 and selected candidates will be announced on April 3.

The National Music Band, which will be supervised by Saudi musician Dr. Abdel Rab Idris, will represent Saudi Arabia in regional and international events, empower Saudi talent and promote the Saudi musical heritage around the world.

The band is one of the initiatives announced by the Ministry of Culture to support the Saudi cultural sector.

Idris is a prominent Saudi singer and musician who has contributed to the Kingdom’s cultural growth for decades.

The Music Commission is headed by Jihad Al-Khalidi, who has more than 33 years of experience in music. She was a violinist in the Egyptian Orchestra for eight years.