Dubai Media City And Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra Announce Winners Of First Virtuosos GCC Competition

DMC to Support Eighth Emirates International Peace Music Festival

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Dubai Media City today announced the winners of the first GCC-level competition for violin, piano and flute. Organised as a collaborative initiative by Dubai Media City (DMC), a member of TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster, and the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO), the event was held as part of their shared vision to cultivate a competitive spirit among talented young artistes in the region.

Organised from 23-24 March at the Dubai Knowledge Village Auditorium in conjunction with the Eighth Emirates International Peace Music Festival, the competition saw 38 candidates from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ajman) performing enthralling renditions. Additionally, the GCC-wide contest hosted representatives from the Premier Music College of Prague in Czech Republic, as well as 15 children prodigies from Korea and five professors from the Korean Ministry of Education.

The nine-member jury led by Syrian Romanian Riad Kudsi included eminent leaders from the music industry in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the Czech Republic and the US.

The winners were named during a press conference held at Dubai Media City, in the presence of stalwarts from the music industry as well as senior representatives from the cluster.

Addressing the press conference, Jamal Al Sharif, Managing Director of Dubai Media City and Dubai Studio City, said: “We believe it is extremely important to bring together budding performers from across the region and encourage them to showcase their talent. The exposure will help them excel among a wider audience. The region has gained attention in the field of business and entertainment attracting multinationals to invest and work with professionals across the region. Events such as the GCC-wide competition will allow the youth to benefit from the growing opportunity that the region holds.

“As part of the Emirates International Peace Music Festival, the competition provides an edge to these musicians. The festival will deliver an international platform to these virtuosos to display their talent among world renowned artists.”

Riad Kudsi, Director of the Emirates International Peace Music Festival, said: “The UAE boasts a rich talent base. Engaging them in music education and offering visibility to international audiences and cultures will further inculcate and hone their talent. Playing at an orchestra is a natural step forward for the young musicians given the opportunity that the platform offers for displaying and growing their talent on a global level.”

In addition to Dubai Media City, the GCC competition also received the collaborative support of the Abu Dhabi Festival, Samsung, Asiana Hotel,Al Bustan Resident Hotel and Beautiful Mind charity. DMC has supported EYSO, organisers of the Emirates International Peace Music Festival, since 2004.

The 8th Emirates International Peace Music Festival, an annual cultural and charitable music event is set to run from 1-5 April at various locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Ajman and Sharjah. It will gather more than 40 nationalities under the banner of ‘Peace’ to inspire the co-existence of all nationalities through musical harmony. Argentinean solo pianist Lorena Eckell, and Czech-American violin soloist Anna Skalova from the Beautiful Mind Charity are set to attend the festival this year.

EYSO has also established its first accredited music conservatory to attract UAE nationals and protect the orchestra from the migration of expatriate members. In addition, the orchestra offers young members an opportunity to interact with internationally-recognized peers.

 

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 25, 2012

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