The Muslim Choral Ensemble is pleased to announce the Inaugural residency of the World Muslim Choral Ensemble (WMCE) will now be held from 17 to 24 July 2022 in Sri Lanka.
We express our thanks for your patience as we continue to navigate through ongoing pandemic situations. Even though these circumstances continue to remain a cause for concern in some countries more than others, we intend to find feasible ways to move forward, and to conduct the event with due consideration to the prevailing health and safety regulations in Sri Lanka as well as globally, ensuring the well-being and security of participating nations.
If you are a singer or musician, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, interested in being a part of this landmark initiative, we request you to send in your application in accordance with the requirements mentioned in the form found on our website www.worldmuslimchoralensemble.com for further details.
We look forward to your invaluable support and hope that together we will create this platform for peace-building and shared humanity.
The World Muslim Choral Ensemble (WMCE), evolved from the Muslim Choral Ensemble (MCE) Sri Lanka as the first ensemble of its type in South Asia and the world. WMCE’s repertoire will consist of Islamic spiritual and devotional songs including Sufi songs. The songs and recitations will be performed in multiple languages including Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, and English.
WMCE is founded under the guidance of Ms. Haadia Galely, a long established and renowned music promoter in Sri Lanka, and Artistic Director, Dr André de Quadros, Professor of Music, Boston University
THE MISSION OF WORLD MUSLIM CHORAL ENSEMBLE:
The WORLD MUSLIM CHORAL ENSEMBLE will be hosted by the “Muslim Choral Ensemble –“Ambassadors of Peace” from Sri Lanka that has been in existence since 2017 is the first of its kind in the world. Since the launch, the ensemble has received critical acclaim in Sri Lanka and abroad at the Yale International Choral Festival (2018, USA), and at the London International Music Festival (2019, UK).
Personnel:
WMCE is open to all singers from the age of 18 and above. Muslims and non-Muslims from all countries and communities are invited to apply. The inclusion of non-Muslims is central to WMCE’s mission.
Criteria for inclusion:
Choral singers of all ages, nationalities and faiths – as long as you have an interest in humanity, and in utilizing music as a springboard for a meaningful discussion about social change.Ω
Do I need to be a professional singer?
No, but a trained voice will be an advantage
What’s expected of me?
Open minded. The ability to understand the English language would be an advantage in order to follow instructions and communicate during the course of this undertaking. And to learn the music by heart – no scores at concerts!
I’m applying as an instrumentalist, what is expected of me?
All Wind instrumentalists, Percussionists, are welcome to participate in the World Muslim Choral Ensemble
Instrumentalists are expected to be able to improvise in many musical styles.
How often does the choir meet?
At least one residency per year is planned.
Where do these residencies take place?
Could be anywhere that will be communicated well in advance
Does it cost anything to sing/play with Muslim Choral Ensemble?
Usually you pay for your own travel expenses to the residency. Food and Lodging (home stays) provided by the organizers
When can I apply?
The WORLD MUSLIM CHORAL ENSEMBLE is currently accepting applications for the INAUGURAL LAUNCH of the ensemble in 2022
How do I apply?
Fill out this form and upload an audio file of you singing a song of your own choice, either with or without accompaniment.
If you’re applying as an instrumentalist – upload a file where you play your instrument(s). Or if you have a video on YouTube/Vimeo etc – put the link in the “Anything else”-box.
Sign up (Applications close on 15th of May 2022):
Repertoire and Process:
The exciting and varied repertoire will be mostly performed with the accompaniment of wind instruments and percussion. The final repertoire will be announced in May 2022. Participants will be expected to prepare the repertoire individually prior to the residency.
Opportunity to sponsor:
Benefits/Exposure:
The launch of the World Muslim Choral Ensemble is expected to attract visitors and participants from around the world……