UAE National Orchestra returns with three Emirati premieres

The UAE National Orchestra opens its second season with "To This Land, We Belong", an ode to the nation, featuring three opening concerts by celebrated Emirati composers Khalid Nassir, Ali Kano, and Fayez Al Saeed.

Each composer will offer a distinct perspective on the UAE, its land, its people and the experiences that connect them, placing the nation at the heart of the Orchestra. Emirati composer Khalid Nassir's "The Founder’s Journey" will begin the concert. It's inspired by the journey and philosophy of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

It will be followed by "Homeland Melodies", a concerto grosso by Emirati composer Ali Kano, who turns to the landscapes and musical heritage of the Emirates and places oriental instruments at the centre of the orchestra.

And, finally, Emirati composer Fayez Al Saeed's "Lightning, Thunder & Longing" will draw on Emirati, Arabic, and international musical traditions to set words by acclaimed Emirati poet Arif Al Khajah.

Performed by the UAE National Orchestra and Choir, the concert - performed at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi on September 18 and at Dubai Opera on September 20 - is an exploration of memory, identity, and belonging across time.

It sets the stage for the second season, "Symphony On … And the Journey Continues", which will bring together new music, major international repertoire, guest artists, and collaborations across a programme running through to 2027. 

The orchestra will also hold a range of major collaborations apart from the season, with performances at Dubai Opera’s Gala Concert celebrating the venue’s 10th Anniversary in September, the opening of Abu Dhabi Festival in October, and performances bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to audiences through the concert series in February.

"We want people to discover something new, feel that this is their Orchestra, and recognise something of the UAE in the music they hear," said  Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra.