National Youth Orchestra Dubai Secures Third Place at Summa Cum Laude Festival and Makes Historic Vienna Debut
Dubai: The National Youth Orchestra Dubai (NYO Dubai) has reached a significant milestone by securing third place at the 18th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival held in Vienna. This achievement marks the first time a UAE-based orchestra has performed at some of the most prestigious classical music venues in the Austrian capital.
Supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority through its Dubai Cultural Grant programme, the orchestra’s Strings Camerata concluded a series of performances at notable locations including the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Musikverein (Golden Hall), and the ORF RadioKulturhaus.
International Recognition
The festival, which took place under the patronage of Austrian President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen and the auspices of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO, featured participation from youth orchestras worldwide. Under the musical direction of Jonathan Barrett and Eva Gräsbeck, the Strings Camerata competed against leading ensembles before an international jury, ultimately securing third place in the renowned Golden Hall of the Musikverein, under the artistic direction of Saul Zaks.
World Premiere by Emirati Composer
During the festival’s opening concert, NYO Dubai presented the world premiere of “Threads of Light,” a composition by acclaimed Emirati musician Ihab Darwish, who is also the Founder and Chairman of the Emirates Musicians’ Association. The piece, inspired by themes of unity, hope, and the collective voice of youth, showcased Emirati creativity on an international stage and promoted cultural exchange through music.
Dubai Culture Support
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stated that the orchestra’s achievements during its Vienna tour reflect the organization’s commitment to supporting the music sector and empowering local talent. She emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, noting that it demonstrates the exceptional caliber of Emirati talent and highlights the importance of sustained investment in music education. Al Suwaidi remarked that such initiatives produce a generation capable of representing the UAE with distinction on the global stage.
Furthermore, she indicated that the tour aligns with Dubai Culture’s efforts to strengthen international cultural partnerships and create opportunities for Emirati creatives to gain global exposure.
Developing Young Talent
The programme included masterclasses and training sessions led by Maestro Saul Zaks and Maestro Alexandre Grandé, providing participants with opportunities to enhance their technical and artistic skills. The delegation also visited the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW), where musicians engaged in the String Music Lab, organized in collaboration with the renowned string manufacturer Thomastik-Infeld.
Cultural Exchange
In addition to their musical performances, orchestra members explored Vienna’s rich cultural heritage through visits to prominent institutions such as the Haus der Musik and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. These excursions provided valuable insights into the history of classical music and musical instruments.
Proud Moment for the UAE
Amira Fouad, Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai, described the achievement as a defining moment for the orchestra. She expressed her pride in bringing the National Youth Orchestra Dubai to Vienna, highlighting the significance of their performances at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and the Radio Kulturhaus as the first orchestra from the UAE to do so. Fouad noted that this experience has showcased the capabilities of young musicians and the potential that arises when talent is nurtured.
She extended her gratitude to Dubai Culture and the Summa Cum Laude Festival for their support, commending the orchestra’s conductors and musicians for their representation of the UAE on the international stage.
The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival is an annual event in Vienna that unites young musicians from around the globe to perform, compete, and engage in cultural exchange in one of the world’s most celebrated centers of classical music.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-08 15:55:00 • By the Editorial Desk
