Dubai Youth Orchestra Shines at Vienna Music Festival

Jul 8, 2026

72 min

Jul 8, 2026 12:30

From Dubai to Vienna: Young musicians make history on the world’s classical stage

## Historic Achievement for Dubai's Young Musicians

A group of young musicians from Dubai has made history by securing third place at the 18th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna. This marks the first time a UAE-based orchestra has performed at some of Austria's most prestigious concert halls, including the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.

## A UAE Sound Takes Center Stage

The National Youth Orchestra Dubai's Strings Camerata Orchestra opened their festival journey with the world premiere of 'Threads of Light,' a composition by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. The piece, inspired by themes of unity and hope, highlighted Emirati creativity on a global platform.

## Beyond Performances

The Vienna experience extended beyond performances, as the young musicians participated in masterclasses and workshops with renowned maestros. They also explored Vienna's rich musical heritage, visiting institutions like the Haus der Musik and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

## A Milestone for Dubai's Cultural Scene

Amira Fouad, Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai, expressed pride in the orchestra's achievements, emphasizing the significance of nurturing young talent. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi from Dubai Culture highlighted the importance of investing in music education to empower local talent and represent the UAE internationally.

## A New Chapter for Dubai's Musicians

The orchestra's success in Vienna has opened a new chapter for Dubai's young musicians, showcasing their ability to not only learn from the world's great stages but also make their own mark.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents