The Cairo Opera has announced that it is accepting applications from candidates wishing to participate in the upcoming Ratiba El-Hefny Arab Music and Singing Competition.

The event takes place as part of the 30th edition of the Arab Music Festival in November 2021.

The competition will accept entries from children, youth and people with special needs, with entries to fall into several categories including new songs, Arabic singing, instrumental music and a competition for people with special needs.

The New Song Contest, accompanied by an instrumental performance, accepts applicants 45 years of age or younger. The winners will receive prizes totaling 150,000 EGP (just over $ 9,500).

The singing segment for people with special needs is open to 17-35 year olds, with prizes valued at EGP 90,000 (just over $ 5,700).

The children’s segment requires participants to be between the ages of 6 and 14 and will receive rewards worth a total of EGP 60,000 (just over $ 3,800).

In the solo performance on an instrument competition, which includes instruments such as flute, qanun, oud, violin, cello and percussion, applicants must not be over 35 years of age and the performance must not not exceed 10 minutes.

Applications can be picked up on the grounds of the Cairo Opera House in the administration building and applications are accepted until October 25, 2021.

The competition was started in the early 1990s by the late soprano Ratiba El-Hefny, who also served as president overseeing the opening and start-up of opera activities between 1988 and 1990.

Under the presidency of El-Hefny, the Cairo Opera has seen the birth of new companies under his aegis, notably the National Arab Music Ensemble and the Children’s Choir of the Cairo Opera.