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UAE Philharmonic Orchestra announces landmark 2025 season of international performances
A defining year of artistic expansion, multicultural collaboration, and global recognition for the UAE’s flagship orchestra
- PUBLISHED: Fri 19 Dec 2025, 8:44 PM
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The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the successful completion of a landmark 2025 season, marked by artistic growth, international recognition, and an expanded cultural presence that further strengthens its position as one of the region’s most dynamic and versatile orchestras.
The orchestra’s artistic standards continued to ascend throughout 2025, a year that saw its growing internationalisation supported by 18 nationalities of musicians and a diverse repertoire spanning Western classical and Eastern music, new symphonic works, and large-scale crossover productions. Its multicultural instrumentation and artistic diversity have become defining characteristics of the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra and a key driver of its rising prominence across both the Middle East and the West.
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The season officially opened on September 7, 2025, with a spectacular concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the 28th Universal Postal Congress. The performance, blending Arabic music with Emirati vocals, underscored the orchestra’s commitment to cultural exchange, openness, and global artistic collaboration.
A major artistic milestone of the season was the UAE premiere of Symphony No. 1 — “Valiant” by legendary Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja at Dubai Opera. The orchestra also received critical acclaim for productions including Rammstein Symphonic at Zabeel Theatre and the Rachmaninoff Tribute at the Theatre of Digital Art, each highlighting its technical refinement and versatility across contrasting genres.
International collaborations further distinguished the season, including a partnership with the Emirati Musicians’ Association to present the works of Emirati composer Ihab Darwish in both the UAE and Russia, as well as a special performance with acclaimed Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal in Kolkata. The season concluded with a closing-night concert at the Sikka Art & Design Festival.
The most defining event of 2025 was the orchestra’s participation in The World of Hans Zimmer at Skydive Dubai — one of the year’s largest music productions. The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra not only provided the symphonic foundation but took centre stage alongside renowned Hollywood conductor Matt Dunkley and Hans Zimmer’s band. The open-air performance was elevated by fireworks, drone displays, and coordinated skyline illuminations. A standout moment came when Maestro Dunkley connected live with Hans Zimmer via a giant screen, leading to an improvised encore of the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean theme.
"Performing with The World of Hans Zimmer in Dubai has been an extraordinary and positive experience. As a guitar soloist, it was an honor to share the stage with such absolute professionals and the remarkable UAE Philharmonic Orchestra," said Amir John Haddad, soloist for The World of Hans Zimmer.
The Skydive Dubai production also featured multi-award-winning singer Clarita de Quiroz, one of the UAE’s most celebrated vocalists and a protégé of Sir Elton John, adding further distinction to the landmark event.
Reflecting on the orchestra’s evolution, chief conductor Nicolas Mann said: "Under BACKART Production, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra began with just 11 string musicians, initially focused on chamber repertoire. Through sustained dedication to excellence and quality, it has grown into a full symphony orchestra, bringing together up to 70 musicians, along with a choir and soloists."
As it concludes its 2025 season, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra continues to strengthen its role as a cultural ambassador for the UAE — international in spirit, diverse in repertoire, and committed to redefining the role of a modern philharmonic orchestra in the region and beyond.
