{"id":46190,"date":"2023-03-29T18:41:15","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T14:41:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magpie.ae\/staging4\/?p=46190"},"modified":"2023-03-29T18:41:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T14:41:33","slug":"making-music-in-the-uae-the-half-term-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magpie.ae\/staging4\/making-music-in-the-uae-the-half-term-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Making music in the UAE: the half-term report?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It was World Piano Day on 29 March \u2013 the 88<\/strong>th<\/strong><\/sup> day of the year, corresponding to the 88 keys of a full-size piano keyboard \u2013 so we took the opportunity to ask Ioannis Potamousis, pianist and educator, about the state of musical education and appreciation in the country. \u201c<\/strong>It is such a rewarding experience to connect with audiences through piano music, leaving them satisfied and inspired\u201d <\/strong>he says<\/strong>. \u201cOverall, I believe that World Piano Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and power of piano music, and to recognize the important role performing arts plays in shaping our cultural identity and enriching our lives.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: How has your journey as a pianist in the UAE been so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ioannis Potamousis: <\/strong>Overall, I am proud of the contributions that I have made to the music community in the UAE and look forward to engaging further with audiences and young talents alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, I was able to lay the foundation of the music department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, where I currently serve as the Head of Keyboard Studies. Additionally, for the last five years, I had the pleasure of being an Adjunct Piano Faculty at NYUAD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I established the Young Artist Concerto Competition through the NSO Symphony Orchestra, providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills. Most recently, a team of musicians and I created the ‘Pollen \u2013 Spreading the seeds of Music’ programme, which provides performance opportunities for emerging musicians throughout the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And my performances in the UAE \u2013 at The Arts Center at NYUAD, the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Opera, and the Cultural Foundation, among others \u2013 have been very well-received by the community. Audiences here have been very receptive to classical music, and I\u2019ve noticed a growing community of music enthusiasts in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the size and attendance of classical music recitals can vary based on factors like the venue, the performer, and the popularity of the music being performed. But from my personal experience as a pianist living in the UAE, I\u2019ve been fortunate to perform in sold-out concerts, whether it\u2019s been solo piano, chamber music, or with an orchestra. It\u2019s been incredibly rewarding to receive such a warm response from the audience, and I feel grateful for the opportunities to share my music with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: <\/strong>You have recently become a Steinway <\/strong>A<\/strong>rtist, the only pianist in the UAE to date to have this accolade. <\/strong>You\u2019ve been quoted as saying \u201cp<\/strong>erforming on a Steinway feels like an extension of my soul\u201d …<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steinway & Sons is of course regarded as one of the finest piano manufacturers in the world, and becoming a Steinway Artist is a significant achievement for any pianist. As an endorsed artist I have the privilege of playing and performing on a Steinway piano, which is an experience unlike any other \u2013 the company\u2019s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unrivalled, and the sound and touch of a Steinway instrument are unparalleled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being the only Steinway endorsed artist in the UAE is a great honour for me, not only because it represents my own hard work and dedication but also acknowledges the growing recognition of the UAE as a centre of artistic excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Steinway endorsement also opens up opportunities for collaboration with other musicians and artists, as well as access to the wider international music scene. It is a gateway to a whole new world of musical possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: What general trends have you observed in the world of piano music?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There has been a growing emphasis on providing young people with access to quality music education, including piano lessons as a means of developing their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. This has led to a number of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting music education in schools and communities across the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another trend I have noticed is the growing diversity of musical genres and styles being performed and appreciated in the UAE. While classical music remains a popular and important part of the cultural landscape, we are also seeing a growing interest in jazz, pop, and other contemporary styles. This is a positive development that reflects the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: How about the development of a musical culture here \u2013 how well attended are the practical courses you teach, for instance? Is the level of interest and knowledge growing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an educator, I have noticed a significant interest and growth in learning a musical instrument in the UAE. In my experience, both children and university students have a strong desire to learn and master the piano, and my classes both at Brighton College as well as New York University are always full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe that the demand for instrumental pedagogues in the UAE is high, especially in the greater area, where there seems to be a shortage of selected instrumental teachers. However, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of my students and their dedication to learning, which I believe will only continue to grow in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: We\u2019re starting to see Emirati composers make their mark, and there are some great UAE-based players of traditional instruments like the oud<\/strong>. But what will it take for a home-grown (or a UAE-based) soloist to make a splash internationally with a classical or modern repertoire? Can you see that happening anytime soon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becoming a successful international soloist in the classical or modern repertoire is a highly competitive and challenging pursuit that will require a combination of talent, dedication, and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One important factor is access to high-quality music education and training. UAE-based musicians should have access to top-notch music schools and teachers who can provide them with the technical and artistic skills necessary to excel in their craft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I strongly believe that the UAE has the potential to become a hub for high-quality music education. While there are many good music schools in the region, there is still a need for a conservatory-level music school that can offer talented students the opportunity to receive high-quality instrumental lessons and general music education during their high school years. A conservatory can provide all the necessary resources, including performance opportunities, in one place, making it easier for students to access everything they need to pursue their musical passions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone who has worked on projects aimed at providing young instrumentalists and vocalists with a platform to showcase their talents, I know first-hand the positive impact that such initiatives can have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: Why aren\u2019t there more resident music groups, quartets or small orchestras? Is there no appetite among audiences? Or are they too used to big-name players and companies flying in for one or two performances and then moving on to the next stop on their tour?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have had the pleasure of visiting the UAE since 2005 as a performing pianist and as a resident since 2011. In that time, the UAE has made impressive strides in recent years to promote and support the arts. The government and cultural organisations have invested heavily in developing world-class infrastructure and venues, attracting internationally renowned performers and artists, and promoting local talent and cultural expression. It is clear that there is a strong commitment to continuing to build a vibrant and diverse cultural scene in the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One possible solution to the relative scarcity of resident music groups would be the establishment of a well-developed music education system; that could encourage more local musicians to form groups and perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, I believe that a professional orchestra would serve as a source of inspiration for young Emirati and expat musicians \u2013 this could also lead to the formation of smaller chamber music groups and quartets. While big-name full-orchestra formal events at venues like Emirates Palace may attract larger crowds, there are still many opportunities for classical musicians to perform in more intimate settings like chamber music concerts, recitals, and festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

magpie: And finally \u2013 what performances do you have coming up?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have some exciting upcoming engagements that I\u2019m really looking forward to. Firstly, I\u2019ll be performing at Alliance Fran\u00e7aise Dubai in April, playing works by Rachmaninoff, including his beloved Piano Concerto No.2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s unique about this performance is that the Concerto will be arranged for piano and string quintet rather than piano and full orchestra. It\u2019s a very special arrangement by Jeremy Liu that allows for a more intimate, chamber music-style performance of this beautiful concerto in smaller venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had the pleasure of premiering this arrangement in the UAE at The Arts Center at NYUAD, under the conducting of Niko Managazze and with an excellent group of string players: Klaudia Olborska-Szyma\u0144ska and M\u00e1rta Lantos (violins), Xenia Baknina, (viola), Sebastian Bose (cello) and Janis Bukowski (double bass).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In May, I will be sharing a recital with pianist Jordan Rushkov at the newly established Steinway Hall Dubai (House of Pianos) where we will present a programme with Rachmaninoff\u2019s 2nd and 3rd piano concertos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that, I\u2019ll be travelling to Greece, where I\u2019ve been invited to be the Artist in Residence at the International Music Festival of Porto Cheli. I\u2019m really excited about this opportunity, as I\u2019ll be performing outdoors in a stunning location next to the Aegean Sea. In addition to my performance, I\u2019ll be leading a series of piano master classes, which is a great chance for me to share my knowledge and experience with aspiring pianists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ioannis Potamousis is an adjunct music instructor (piano faculty) in the music department At NYUAD and is also the Head of Keyboard Studies at Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. An active concert pianist whose performances have taken him to significant international venues in Europe, the Middle East, and across North America, he has won prizes at several international piano contests.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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