ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE National Orchestra will conclude its inaugural season next week with its Season One Finale, a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and connection that brings together Emirati music, Arabic musical traditions, and international repertoire.
Presented at Dubai Opera on June 24 and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi on June 25, the Season One Finale will feature 70 musicians and 30 choir members, representing more than 30 nationalities.
The concerts celebrate the artistic journey of the UAE National Orchestra’s inaugural year and the distinctive musical identity it has established.
At the heart of the evening is a simple but powerful idea: music has the ability to bring people together across cultures, traditions, and generations.
Reflecting that spirit, the programme journeys through a rich tapestry of musical influences, from the vibrant rhythms and the electrifying energy of Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story to the sweeping melodies of Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 and the dramatic intensity of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale.
The evening also celebrates the richness of Arab musical heritage through “The Fiftieth Samai,” by Emirati composer and UAE National Orchestra musician Abdulaziz Al Madani inspired by the rich traditions of Arabic classical music. The piece reimagines the historic samai form through a contemporary lens.
Combining intricate melodic craftsmanship with refined rhythmic structures, the work celebrates the virtuosity and expressive depth of the UAE National Orchestra’s Arabic Ensemble.
A centrepiece of the evening is a specially commissioned orchestral suite celebrating the UAE's musical heritage. Bringing together beloved songs by Emirati composers, including Khaled Nasser, and Ali Kanoo, the work reimagines familiar melodies through new arrangements for orchestra and choir.
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the UAE National Orchestra, said, “The completion of our inaugural season represents an important step in the UAE National Orchestra’s journey to become a leading cultural institution for the nation. Over the past months, we have demonstrated the power of music to preserve heritage, foster creativity, and strengthen cultural exchange. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating opportunities for artists, enriching the cultural life of our communities, and contributing to the UAE’s vision as a global centre for culture and the arts.”
The concert marks the culmination of a remarkable first season during which the UAE National Orchestra has performed across the Emirates, commissioned new works, fostered artistic collaboration, and launched initiatives to support the next generation of Emirati musicians.
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, said, “The Season One Finale reflects the artistic vision that has guided the UAE National Orchestra throughout its inaugural year, one that celebrates the richness of our musical heritage while embracing diverse traditions from around the world. By bringing together Emirati music, Arabic works, and internationally celebrated repertoire, the programme showcases the breadth of our artistic identity and the Orchestra’s role as a platform for cultural dialogue and exchange. As we conclude this landmark first season, we celebrate the foundations we have built and the emergence of a national orchestra that reflects the creativity, ambition, and cultural confidence of the UAE. Most importantly, we celebrate the remarkable audience that has accompanied us throughout this journey and whose continued support leaves us excited and optimistic for the future of the Orchestra.”
Musical Journey Across Cultures: Programme Highlights
The programme spans a wide range of musical traditions while remaining firmly rooted in the UAE's cultural identity.
Presented in the following order, highlights include:
• Leonard Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, a landmark musical capturing the energy, passion, and drama of New York City.
• Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 brings the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s traditions to life through rich orchestral colours, infectious rhythms, and an exhilarating sense of celebration.
• The Fiftieth Samaei by Emirati composer and UAE National Orchestra musician Abdulaziz Al Madani, celebrating the rich Arabic musical traditions and the virtuosity and expressive depth of the UAE National Orchestra’s Oriental Ensemble.
• A specially commissioned arrangement by Shaker Hassan of Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah for the UAE National Orchestra, reimagining the celebrated work through a seamless blend of Western orchestral colours and the rich tonal colours of Arabic instruments.
• Suite for Orchestra and Choir of Famous Emirati Songs, commissioned by the UAE National Orchestra orchestrated by Qoutayba Neaimi, the concert concludes with a celebration of the UAE’s musical heritage through a symphonic suite based on beloved Emirati songs. Blending traditional melodies with contemporary orchestral writing, the suite highlights the richness of Emirati culture and the artistic vision of the UAE National Orchestra.
UAE National Orchestra Season One Finale
• Dubai Opera: Wednesday 24 June 2026, 8:00 pm
• The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi: Thursday 25 June 2026, 8:00 pm
Centre
Tickets are available via the UAE National Orchestra website.