About
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The UD Concours is a unique three-day event for the new generation of ud players. Young musicians aged 16–35 are given the opportunity to showcase their talents and forge valuable connections with renowned musicians and fellow performers.
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The participants will perform before an international jury. They will decide who wins the Saïd Chraibi Prize, named after the legendary Moroccan ud player.

Programme (subject to changes)
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Thursday 19 November – MAQAM, Amsterdam
- Masterclass by Nizar Rohana
- Ud Dinner
- Ud Jam with musicians from the network of the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra

Friday 20 November – MAQAM, Amsterdam
- Preliminary round & announcement of the finalists
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Saturday 21 November – Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Amsterdam
- Grand final & Award ceremony

Prize
‍In addition to the honour of winning the competition, the winner and runners-up will receive a cash prize.
1st prize - €2.000,-
2nd prize - €1.500,-
3d prize - €1.000,-
Furthermore, the winner will have the opportunity to perform with musicians from the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra in the following season. In the previous edition in 2024, the Greek ud player Ilias Markantonis won the 1st prize and subsequently played a prominent role in the national tour of the co-production Song of the Sibylle (Lied van de Sibylle).

Applications
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- Applications are open until September 15, 2026.
- The application must include a video and a statement of motivation (see button below to start application).
- The shortlist of candidates will be drawn up on the basis of the videos submitted.
- Candidates will be notified by 25 September at the latest as to whether they have been selected.
- No correspondence will be entered into regarding the results.
- Please apply via the button below, and no later than 15 September 2026. We only accept applications via this form.
- NOTE: As we review all entries carefully and take our time doing so, we ask for a registration fee of €50, to be paid via bank transfer. More info is mentioned in the application form.
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‍Your registration is final once we have received your registration fee. Paid registration fee will not be returned in case of withdrawal.

Questions?
In case you have any questions, please send an email to our creative producer Floor van der Sluis via floor@amsterdamsandalusischorkest.nl.