For some, the prospect of playing in a duo overlooking Sydney Harbour in the afternoon before hoofing it to Parramatta to play as a symphony orchestra soloist might be a bit much. But for oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros, it’s another day in the life. This Saturday, to be exact.

“Well, look, the world needs oud, so we’ll make it make it happen, you know?” Tawadros wisecracks, adding that he’s just flown into Sydney from London a few hours ago.

“I’m not a heart surgeon. It’s like, ‘Hey, we love music. We love playing it, so if you can get us from North Sydney to Parramatta, we’ll play on time, and we’ll play our hearts out, don’t you worry’.”

Joseph and James Tawadros performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Joseph (right) and James Tawadros performing his Concerto for Oud and Orchestra with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Daniela Testa

This weekend, Joseph and his brother, riq virtuoso James Tawadros, are set to make two appearances at Sydney Festival: a free Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert at Parramatta Park on 18 January and another at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden at Lavender...