Symphony of peace

A GROUP of Emirati students from private schools got together last Tuesday at the Scientific and Cultural Symposium in Al Mamzar to perform a symphony.

Published: Sat 23 Feb 2008, 11:07 AM

Last updated: Tue 14 Nov 2023, 9:37 AM

The event entitled 'Emirates Symphony' was attended by Dr Hanif Hassan, the Minister of Education.

The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) was established in the UAE in 1993 by Riad Kudsi as a non-profit entity dedicated to teaching the universal language of classical music to children and teenagers from primary to senior school. However, its mission extends beyond the teaching of classical music to include sponsoring humanitarian and charitable events and projects as well.

The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra also organises the Dubai International Peace Music Festival (for young virtuosos) as an annual and charitable event.

Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is honorary patron of the music festival.

The fourth Dubai International Peace Music Festival was officially opened on February 17 by Mohammed Al Mur, Chairman of Dubai Cultural Council.

Czech artist, Jana Kudsiova, displayed her works through an art exhibition followed by a concert by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Riad Kudsi.

Ibrahim Saleh, DSF General Coordinator; and several other officials attended the event that witnessed a packed audience for the evening.

The children who play in the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra come from many countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Ireland, USA, France, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea, among many others.

Starting at 8:30pm, the Orchestra rendered the works of masters like Suzuki, Mozart, Schubert, Boccherini, Khachaturian, Brahms, Ivanovici, Smetana, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky. The Symphony performance was followed by solo performances by competitors.

It is the first time that a Dubai International Peace Music Festival is being held during a DSF edition.

This year’s Dubai International Peace Music Festival is being held in cooperation with Dubai Cultural Council, the Symphony Orchestra of Jan Neruda Music School in Prague, and the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre.