In a landmark cultural moment for the UAE, The National Youth Orchestra has earned international recognition after performing on some of Vienna’s most prestigious stages, marking a first for an Emirati orchestra. Supported by Dubai Culture and the Dubai Cultural Grant, the ensemble’s tour showcased not only exceptional musicianship but also the growing reach of the country’s creative talent on the global arts scene.
Historic Performances in the Heart of Vienna
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority celebrated the remarkable achievement of “The National Youth Orchestra – Dubai” and its “String Orchestra” after they presented a series of musical performances at several of Vienna’s most prominent theaters and halls, including the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Musikverein (Golden Hall), and the Radio Kulturhaus of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. This made them the first orchestra in the UAE to perform at these historic venues.
This artistic milestone was part of a tour that carried a clear message: that The National Youth Orchestra is now capable of representing the UAE at the most prestigious musical gatherings in Europe. The ensemble performed before a diverse international audience in theaters associated with the names of great composers and musicians throughout history.
The tour, organized with the support of Dubai Culture and the Dubai Cultural Grant, saw “The National Youth Orchestra – Dubai” and its String Orchestra participate in the 18th edition of the “Soma Cum Laude” International Youth Music Festival, held under the patronage of the President of Austria, Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, and supervised by the Austrian Committee of UNESCO. They premiered the piece “Threads of Light” by the founder and president of the Emirates Musicians Association, Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, inspired by the values of unity, hope, and the collective voice of youth. This piece was performed during the festival’s opening ceremony, showcasing music’s ability to highlight local creative presence and express Emirati identity in a global language, as well as music’s role in building bridges between peoples.
International Recognition and Strong Competition
In this context, the String Orchestra of “The National Youth Orchestra – Dubai,” conducted by Maestro Jonathan Barrett and Maestro Eva Graspick, achieved a notable accomplishment by securing third place with the distinction of “Success with Excellence” in the main international competition of the “Soma Cum Laude” festival. This victory came after competing with elite youth orchestras from around the world before an international jury at the Musikverein (Golden Hall), under the supervision of the festival’s artistic director, Sol Zaks.
This accolade was not merely a competitive result but a testament to the readiness of The National Youth Orchestra to engage in high-level artistic experiences and to stand confidently before diverse global musical schools. It also reflected the young musicians’ ability to tackle the challenges of live performance in one of the world’s most important concert halls.
The tour included participation from orchestra members in several training sessions and workshops with Maestro Sol Zaks and Maestro Alexander Grandy, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and connect with elite global musicians, aligning with Dubai Culture’s commitments to nurture emerging talent and empower them to enhance their capabilities.
A Cultural Experience Beyond Performance
Additionally, the authority’s delegation and orchestra members explored Vienna’s artistic experience through a cultural and educational program that included visits to several of its prominent cultural, historical, and heritage sites, such as the House of Music, which features exhibitions highlighting the lives and artistic legacies of major composers, and the Museum of Art History, which houses a collection of historical musical instruments associated with great musicians. They also visited the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where they participated in a “String Music Lab” organized in collaboration with Thomastik-Infeld, a company specialized in making musical instrument strings.
During this visit, the experience of The National Youth Orchestra expanded to include insights into the cultural framework that has made Vienna one of the world’s most important music capitals. The trip was not limited to performances and competition; it transformed into an educational and professional platform that allowed members to engage directly with esteemed international institutions and expertise.
Shimaa Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stated: “We take pride in the significant achievement of the orchestra, which reflects the level of talent that Emirati artists possess. This confirms that continuous investment in music education and capacity building produces a generation capable of representing the country competently on the international stage. This tour also reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to using the arts as a bridge for cultural dialogue and a means to enhance cooperation with international creative institutions, opening new horizons for exchanging experiences and launching joint initiatives, providing quality opportunities for Emirati creatives to refine their talents through exposure to leading experiences, thereby enhancing the emirate’s presence on the global map.”
Amira Fouad, Executive Director and Artistic Director of “The National Youth Orchestra – Dubai,” expressed that the orchestra’s visit to Vienna and its performances as the first orchestra from the UAE to achieve this accomplishment represent an extraordinary moment that will remain etched in memory.
She said: “This tour revealed the potential of our youth and confirmed their ability to achieve global accomplishments when they receive support and confidence, and are provided with opportunities to develop their talents. I am proud of the distinguished performances delivered by the musicians under the direction of Maestro Jonathan Barrett and Maestro Eva Graspick, which reflected the level of Emirati musical talent and its ability to represent the country in the best light on the world’s most prestigious stages.”
An Inspiring International Environment
The “Soma Cum Laude” International Youth Music Festival is held annually in July at the Wiener Konzerthaus and the Musikverein (Golden Hall), both of which are among the most prominent classical music venues in Vienna. The festival attracts young musical talents from around the world to the Austrian capital, providing them with an inspiring international environment that allows young musicians to express their creativity through the language of music and enhance cultural exchange among them, contributing to building bridges of communication between peoples and cultures.
Between professional performance, educational experience, and interaction with established global institutions, The National Youth Orchestra has solidified its presence as one of the most prominent emerging cultural projects in the UAE, achieving a milestone that opens the door to further international participation in the future.
Shimaa Al Suwaidi:
We take pride in the significant achievement of the orchestra, which reflects the level of talent that Emirati artists possess.
Amira Fouad:
This tour revealed the potential of our youth and confirmed their ability to achieve global accomplishments.
World Premiere of “Threads of Light” by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, inspired by the values of unity, hope, and the collective voice of youth.