The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra has successfully concluded its landmark 2025 season, cementing its position as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and versatile musical ensembles. The season showcased artistic growth, international recognition, and a strong commitment to cultural exchange.
A Season of Artistic Growth and Global Recognition
Throughout 2025, the orchestra continued to elevate its artistic standards, blending the talents of 18 nationalities of musicians. Its programming was a mix of Western classical music, Eastern influences, new symphonic works, and large-scale crossover productions. This rich diversity has become a hallmark of the orchestra, driving its growing popularity in the Middle East and beyond.
A Spectacular Opening
The season officially opened with a grand concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre, held as part of the 28th Universal Postal Congress. The performance combined Arabic music with Emirati vocals, reflecting the orchestra’s dedication to cultural collaboration and global art partnerships.
Memorable Performances and Premieres
Among the season’s highlights was the UAE premiere of Symphony No. 1—’Valiant’ by the legendary Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja at Dubai Opera. The orchestra also earned critical acclaim for its performances of the Rammstein Symphonic at Zabeel Theatre and the Rachmaninoff Tribute at the Theatre of Digital Art. These concerts demonstrated the orchestra’s technical expertise and versatility across diverse musical genres.
International Collaborations
The orchestra’s 2025 season was marked by notable international collaborations. These included performances with the Emirati Musicians’ Association, presenting the works of Emirati composer Ihab Darwish in the UAE and Russia, and a special concert with Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal in Kolkata. The season concluded with a performance at the Sikka Art & Design Festival, celebrating local arts and culture.
A Spectacle at The World of Hans Zimmer
One of the season’s most remarkable events was the participation in The World of Hans Zimmer at Skydive Dubai. The orchestra performed alongside Hollywood conductor Matt Dunkley and Hans Zimmer’s band in one of the largest music productions of the year. The open-air concert included fireworks, drone shows, and landmark illuminations across Dubai’s skyline. A standout moment was the live connection with Hans Zimmer, leading to an improvised encore of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.
“Performing with The World of Hans Zimmer in Dubai has been an extraordinary experience. It was an honor to share the stage with such professionals and the remarkable UAE Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Amir John Haddad, guitar soloist for the event.
The event also featured multi-award-winning singer Clarita de Quiroz, one of the UAE’s most celebrated vocalists, further adding to the grandeur of the production.
From Chamber Orchestra to Full Symphony
Chief Conductor Nicolas Mann reflected on the orchestra’s journey, stating, “Under BACKART Production, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra began with just 11 string musicians, initially focused on chamber repertoire. Through dedication to excellence, it has grown into a full symphony orchestra with up to 70 musicians, a choir, and soloists.”
Strengthening UAE’s Cultural Influence
As the 2025 season concludes, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra continues to act as a cultural ambassador for the UAE. Its international spirit, diverse repertoire, and innovative approach are redefining the role of a modern philharmonic orchestra in the region and on the global stage.
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