Simon Shaheen leads a demonstration for educators and musicians at Kimmel Center, November 2008
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is pleased to announce
AUDITIONS FOR THE SIMON SHAHEEN ALL-STAR MUSIC ENSEMBLE
in partnership with GAMP School and Kimmel Center
About Shaheen
An internationally acclaimed Arab music performer, composer, instructor, and virtuoso of the oud and violin, Simon Shaheen tours worldwide as a soloist and with his ensembles. His recordings have won him an international reputation as a leading Arab musician of his generation, receiving the prestigious National Heritage Award in 1994. Among these, Blue Flame brought his Arab-Jazz fusion international exposure, garnering eleven Grammy nominations. A master instructor in performance and theory, Shaheen is dedicated to teaching Arab music and passing on his knowledge to the younger generation. He is founder/director of the annual summer Arabic Music Retreat held at Mount Holyoke College, and has taught at Julliard, Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell, among others universities, as well as in Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
Auditions
Monday, February 8, 2010 – 6pm
Girard Academic Music Program School located at 2136 West Ritner St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(click here for a map)
Auditions are open to students currently enrolled in Middle/High School or Undergraduate College. Click here for PDF application. Requirements for participating in the competition include performing a segment of Shaheen’s “Dance Mediterranea” from his Blue Flame CD, and performing a piece of choice. For more info and to receive repertoire for the audition, contact Kevin Schott at 267-809-3668. Deadline for submitting application is February 1, 2010.
Jury
The jury committee includes:
• Simon Shaheen: composer, music performer, instructor
• Hanna Khoury: Music Director, Arabesque Music Ensemble and Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble
• Hafez El Ali Kotain: Master Percussionist, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
• Marc Johnson: Director, Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
• Vincent Rutland: Director, GAMP High School Jazz Band
Prizes
• Winners will participate in two-day workshops with Shaheen on April 23 and 24, 2010
• Winners will perform with Shaheen at Irvine Auditorium
• Cash prize totaling $500 will be distributed among the winners
Concert
Sunday, April 25, 2010 – 3pm
Irvine Auditorium at University of Pennsylvania, 3417 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
The All-Star Music Ensemble will perform with Shaheen on April 25. The concert will also include performances by the Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble, GAMP High School Jazz Band, and Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble.
