UAENO: To This Land, We Belong

The UAE National Orchestra kicks off its second season with the World Premiere of three new Emirati compositions in a concert programme that invites audiences into a musical journey through the UAE from its founding story and landscapes to the traditions, memories and ideas that continue to shape the country today.

Each of the three composers has approached that story differently. The Founder’s Journey by Khalid Nassir opens the programme; a six-part work inspired by the journey and philosophy of the UAE’s Founding Father. Ali Kano turns to the landscapes and musical traditions of the Emirates with his Homeland Melodies concerto, bringing oriental instruments into conversation with the Orchestra. The third work, by Fayez Al Saeed, brings Orchestra, Choir and poetry togethe; featuring the poem Lightning, Thunder & Longing by Arif Al Khajah, the piece moves between memory and the present, tracing how identity and belonging are carried forward through time.

Ahmed Farag conducts the full UAE National Orchestra and Choir. The concert is repeated in Dubai on 20 September.