Algeria launches international philharmonic orchestra with 70 musicians

According to the news site Algérie 360, Algeria is creating an international philharmonic orchestra with 70 musicians, following a decision by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The announcement comes as Algeria marks the 72nd anniversary of the 1 November 1954 Revolution. The orchestra aims to give a new dimension to the national music scene. It is also meant to give Algeria's artistic heritage a more important place in large symphonic productions.

The project aims to bring Algerian works and sounds into dialogue with classical music from around the world. It also aims to show the skills of Algerian musicians.

In February, during a Council of Ministers meeting, Tebboune welcomed the idea and asked for it to be carried out step by step. He asked that it rely on Algerian talent living in the country and abroad.

The orchestra will be open to foreign musicians, who will play alongside Algerian artists. An academy for young talent is also planned, to support their training and prepare a new generation of musicians.

Maestro Mohamed Amine Kouider, director of the project, is leading the work. Auditions for the orchestra have now started.

Malika Bendouda, Minister of Culture and the Arts, launched the auditions on Monday at the Algiers Opera (Opéra d'Alger Boualem-Bessaïh). The Lebanese artist Marcel Khalifa takes part in assessing professional Algerian and foreign instrumentalists.

The selection has three stages. The first is for professional Algerian musicians who live in Algeria. The second is for young graduates of regional institutes and music schools, in particular in Algiers, Oran, Batna and Bouira.

Foreign instrumentalists are chosen last, based on videos, using criteria set by the evaluation committee. The jury will judge mastery of the instrument, quality of performance, musical sensitivity and the ability to play in harmony with other musicians.

Bendouda also spoke about the teaching side of the project. The authorities will create an academy to support young talent and strengthen their training. It will set up a youth orchestra, which will serve as a pool of skills for the main orchestra.

The final list of selected Algerian musicians is expected in October, Kouider said.