Dubai Youth Orchestra Makes History With Vienna Performances

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) celebrated a major international achievement by the National Youth Orchestra Dubai (NYO Dubai) and its Strings Camerata Orchestra after the ensemble completed a series of debut performances at some of Vienna’s most prestigious concert venues.

The orchestra became the first UAE-based ensemble to perform at the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Musikverein’s famous Golden Hall, and the ORF RadioKulturhaus.

The Vienna tour was organised with support from Dubai Culture through its Dubai Cultural Grant programme. As part of the visit, the orchestra also took part in the 18th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, and under the auspices of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.

World Premiere of Emirati Composition

During the festival’s opening concert, the Strings Camerata Orchestra performed the world premiere of "Threads of Light," a composition by acclaimed Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, Founder and Chairman of the Emirates Musicians’ Association.

Inspired by the values of unity, hope, and the collective voice of young people, the composition highlighted the ability of music to celebrate Emirati identity, promote local creative talent, and encourage cultural exchange through a universal artistic language.

Third Place at International Competition

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

The orchestra competed against leading youth orchestras from around the world before an international jury. The competition was held in the legendary Golden Hall of the Musikverein under the artistic direction of Saul Zaks.

Masterclasses With International Experts

The Vienna programme also included specialised training sessions and masterclasses led by Maestro Saul Zaks and Maestro Alexander Grandé.

These sessions gave the young musicians an opportunity to strengthen their technical skills and learn from internationally recognised artists, supporting Dubai Culture’s goal of developing emerging talent and helping young performers reach their full potential.

Dubai Culture Highlights Importance of Music Education

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the orchestra’s success in Vienna reflects the authority’s continued commitment to supporting the music sector, developing local talent, and providing young musicians with opportunities to perform on some of the world’s leading artistic stages.

She said the achievement demonstrates the high standard of Emirati talent and shows how continued investment in music education and talent development can prepare a new generation to represent the UAE internationally.

Al Suwaidi also said the Vienna tour supports Dubai Culture’s efforts to use the arts as a platform for cultural dialogue while strengthening partnerships with international cultural and creative institutions. She added that these collaborations create opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint projects, and international exposure for Emirati artists, further enhancing Dubai’s position on the global cultural map.

Cultural and Educational Experience in Vienna

Alongside their performances, the Dubai Culture delegation and orchestra members explored Vienna’s artistic and cultural heritage through an educational programme.

The group visited the Haus der Musik, which features interactive exhibitions dedicated to some of history’s greatest composers. They also toured the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to a globally recognised collection of historical musical instruments connected to many celebrated musicians.

Orchestra Director Reflects on Historic Tour

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

She said seeing the orchestra perform at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, the Wiener Konzerthaus, and the RadioKulturhaus as the first orchestra from the UAE to appear on those stages was a moment she would remember for the rest of her life.

Fouad thanked the Summa Cum Laude Festival and Dubai Culture for their support and praised conductors Jonathan Barrett and Eva Gräsbeck, as well as every member of the orchestra, for representing the UAE with excellence during the performances.

Workshops at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

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

The visit included additional specialised workshops led by Maestro Saul Zaks and Maestro Alexandre Grandé, giving participants further opportunities to develop their musical skills.

About the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival

The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival is held every July at Vienna’s two leading classical music venues, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus.

Organised under the patronage of Austria’s Federal President and the Austrian Commission for UNESCO, the festival brings together talented young musicians from around the world. It provides an international platform where participants can perform, showcase their creativity, encourage intercultural exchange, and build lasting cultural connections through music.