Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) hailed a significant triumph for the National Youth Orchestra Dubai (NYO Dubai) and its Strings Camerata Orchestra following their inaugural performances in some of Vienna’s most illustrious concert halls.

This ensemble marked a historic milestone as the first UAE orchestra to scale the stages of the Wiener Konzerthaus, the celebrated Golden Hall of the Musikverein, and the ORF RadioKulturhaus.

The tour to Vienna was facilitated by Dubai Culture through its Dubai Cultural Grant programme. During this visit, the orchestra also participated in the 18th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, endorsed by His Excellency Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, the President of Austria, and supported by the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.

World Premiere of an Emirati Composition

At the festival's opening concert, the Strings Camerata Orchestra had the honor of presenting the world premiere of "Threads of Light," a work by renowned Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, who is also the Founder and Chairman of the Emirates Musicians’ Association.

This piece, reflecting themes of unity, hope, and the collective voice of youth, showcased music's power to celebrate Emirati identity, nurture local talent, and foster cultural exchange through a universal artistic medium.

Third Place Achievement in International Competition

Under the musical guidance of conductors Jonathan Barrett and Eva Gräsbeck, the National Youth Orchestra Dubai's Strings Camerata Orchestra achieved third place in the esteemed festival competition.

They competed against premier youth orchestras from across the globe before a distinguished international jury in the iconic Golden Hall of the Musikverein, overseen by the artistic direction of Saul Zaks.

Masterclasses with Acclaimed Artists

The Vienna itinerary also included focused training and masterclasses delivered by Maestro Saul Zaks and Maestro Alexander Grandé.

These sessions afforded the young musicians a chance to enhance their technical prowess while learning from globally recognized artists, in line with Dubai Culture’s mission to cultivate emerging talent and assist young performers in realizing their full potential.

Music Education's Role Emphasized by Dubai Culture

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, remarked that the orchestra’s accomplishments in Vienna underline the authority’s ongoing commitment to developing the music sector and nurturing local talent, allowing young musicians to perform on prestigious world stages.

She noted that the success exemplifies the exceptional quality of Emirati talent and demonstrates how consistent investment in music education can groom a new generation to represent the UAE on the global stage.

Al Suwaidi further highlighted that the Vienna tour enhances Dubai Culture’s efforts to utilize the arts as a medium for cultural dialogue while reinforcing collaborations with international cultural institutions, leading to opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint ventures, and heightened visibility for Emirati artists, thus enriching Dubai’s cultural footprint internationally.

Exploratory Cultural Experience in Vienna

In addition to their performances, the Dubai Culture delegation and orchestra members engaged in a culturally immersive educational program exploring Vienna’s rich artistic heritage.

The group toured the Haus der Musik, featuring interactive exhibits devoted to history's greatest composers, and visited the Kunsthistorisches Museum, renowned for its prestigious collection of historical musical instruments linked to celebrated musicians.

Orchestra Director Remarks on the Historic Expedition

Amira Fouad, Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai, described the Vienna tour as a pivotal moment for both the orchestra and the young musicians involved.

She reminisced about witnessing the orchestra perform at the iconic Golden Hall of the Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, and RadioKulturhaus, which stands out as a cherished memory.

Fouad expressed gratitude towards the Summa Cum Laude Festival and Dubai Culture for their unwavering support and commended conductors Jonathan Barrett, Eva Gräsbeck, and every orchestra member for their exemplary representation of the UAE during performances.

Workshops at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

The delegation also engaged with the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW), where orchestra members participated in the String Music Lab in partnership with the eminent string manufacturer Thomastik-Infeld.

This experience included additional targeted workshops led by Maestro Saul Zaks and Maestro Alexandre Grandé, providing participants with substantial opportunities to refine their musical talents.

Overview of the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival

The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival takes place annually in July at Vienna’s premier classical music venues, including the Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus.

Under the patronage of Austria’s Federal President and the Austrian Commission for UNESCO, the festival unites talented young musicians from various countries, offering an international platform for performances, creativity, intercultural exchange, and fostering enduring cultural connections through music.

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