Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra announces winners

Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra announces winners of its GCC Competition for young musicians and prepares for the Emirates International Peace Music Festival (For Young Virtuosos)

Dubai, UAE, 23 February 2014: The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, comprised of the UAE’s leading young musicians, today announced the winners of its GCC competition, organised in conjunction with the 10th Emirates International Peace Music Festival at a press conference held at Dubai Media City.

The grand prix winner, seven year old Bahraini National, Jasmeen Ameen will play as a soloist with an 80- member international orchestra at the official opening ceremony of the Emirates International Peace Music Festival on 23 March. The competition saw a group of 60 musicians between the ages of nine to sixteen take part from the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.

In partnership with Dubai Media City and the Abu Dhabi Festival, the 10th Emirates International Peace Music Festival is organised by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra and sponsored by the Dubai Culture and Art Authority. This year’s festival, which will take place from 23 – 27 March, will bring together some of the world’s greatest youth orchestras, as well as some of the youngest musical prodigies, including international 12-year old violinist Elli Choi, international cellist Sarina Zhang and pianist Arisa Okada. Elli, Sarina and Arissa have won several international awards and attended the Julliard School in New York, the top performing-arts school in the USA.

Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster, which comprises Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zone commented:

"We have long supported the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, which promotes education, music and culture within the UAE. The Emirates International Peace Music Festival has grown year-on-year to gather leading musicians from around the world, and we are delighted to support the EYSO in their GCC competition. This competition provides young musicians with a great opportunity to showcase their musical talent, and we look forward to continuing to work together to grow the UAE’s creative landscape."

Riad Kudsi, Founder of The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra and Director of the Emirates International Peace Music Festival, said: "The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra celebrates its twentieth year, and is committed to enriching the UAE’s cultural and musical outlook, providing education and training to local young musicians. The Emirates International Peace Music Festival, now in its tenth year, will provide the winner of our GCC competition with a fantastic opportunity to open the festival and showcase their talent. We thank Dubai Media City for their ongoing support in helping us to develop the UAE’s musical landscape and nurture upcoming talent, and we look continue to welcome all youngsters, especially locals, to join our orchestra."