Joseph Tawadros to Headline Inaugural BBC Proms Dubai Festival

Australian-Egyptian oud virtuoso and composer Joseph Tawadros AM and his quartet are headlining the world's largest festival of classical music, the Inaugural BBC Proms Dubai Festival at Dubai Opera from 21 - 24 March, 2017.

Part of the UK/UAE 2017 Year of Cultural Collaboration, the Dubai festival will showcase Joseph's extraordinary musicality alongside the talents of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers. The music of Mohammed Fairouz and Dubai-based British composer Johanna Marsh will also be featured.

Joseph relocated to the UK in May this year after being awarded an exceptional talent visa. Since then, he has secured multiple high profile partnerships and performance opportunities including the legendary BBC Proms. Joining Joseph on stage will be his brother, percussion wizard James Tawadros, along with Matt McMahon on piano and Karl Dunnicliff on double bass.

"It's an absolute honour to be part of this history-making event as part of the very first BBC Proms Dubai Festival," Joseph said. "I'm really looking forward to performing my compositions with the incredible BBC Symphony Orchestra and it's extra special that my Quartet will be performing a Prom in the Dubai Opera Concert Hall on 23 March. I'm very humbled to be able to fly the flag for Australia at such a prestigious event.

While in the UK and Europe, Joseph has kept a full schedule of musical and cultural adventures, including concerts in:Manchester, the exquisite Lapwing Festival near Brighton, the unique Stift Music Festival, Netherlands and performances in Dusseldorf, Vienna, Lodz, Bruxelles, . In London, Joseph has developed collaborations with Daniel Rowland (violin, Brodsky Quartet, festival director, musical innovator) and also with Jules Buckley (dynamic conductor, currently with Metropole Orkest). He's jammed with jazz, world and classical musicians and even joined US rockers Wheatus on stage in London for an oud-tinged rendition of their hit Teenage Dirtbag.

Joseph is back in Australia in December to perform at the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols in Brisbane on 10 December; at Sydney's Camelot Lounge on 14 December; and in Candelo on 16 December. Tickets are available atwww.josephtawadros.com