Firdaus Orchestra
Firdaus Orchestra is an initiative of Expo City Dubai, an all-women ensemble based out of the United Arab Emirates. The orchestra is named Firdaus (meaning ‘paradise’ in Arabic).[1][2]
History
Firdaus Orchestra was the idea and brainchild of HE Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation & CEO Expo City Dubai and Oscar-Winning Composer, AR Rahman.[3]
It is arguably the first all-women's orchestra based out of the United Arab Emirates. First seen at the opening ceremony of the Dubai World Expo 2020, the orchestra includes 50 spectacular women playing different instruments from across the Middle East[1][2]
A.R. Rahman organized an orchestra by training a diverse group of musicians.[4][5]
The orchestra plays a mix of classical, pop, and fusion music. Firdaus features traditional Middle Eastern and Indian instruments such as the qanun, the buzuq, the ney, the oud, and the sitar, along with Western orchestral instruments such as the violin, the cello, and the flute. They present performances and symphonic compositions by A.R. Rahman as well as Western orchestral harmonies and ancient melodies from the Orchestral Qawwali Project.[6][7][8]
Projects
- Debut of the recorded song 'Turkish March' on 22 September 2021.
- Expo 2020 Dubai Opening Ceremony performance at Al Wasl Plaza on 21 October 2021.
- The concert 'like Space, music is limitless' celebrating Space Day on 23 October 2021.
- Digital release of 'Moonlight Sonata' conceptualized by A.R. Rahman.[9][10][11]<ref>
References
- ^ a b Badam, Ramola Talwar (June 25, 2023). "A R Rahman: Dubai's all-female Firdaus Orchestra is groundbreaking". The National.
- ^ a b "Mentored By A.R. Rahman, Here's The Story Of UAE's First & Only All Women Orchestra - 'Firdaus'". IndiaTimes. December 15, 2022.
- ^ Fatima, Sakina (November 11, 2022). "AR Rahman's all-female 'Firdaus Orchestra' set to perform at Expo City Dubai". The Siasat Daily.
- ^ Desk, C. T. "Atif Aslam to perform in Dubai". Khaleej Times.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (December 19, 2022). "Dubai's all-female orchestra set for first live online performance". The National.
- ^ Kapur, Sohaila (November 19, 2021). "A.R. Rahman's Firdaus Orchestra Shines Bright at Expo 2020 Dubai".
- ^ "Expo City Dubai's Firdaus Orchestra celebrates World Music Day with tribute to Brahms". Al Arabiya English. June 21, 2023.
- ^ Tusing, David (November 15, 2022). "Female Firdaus Orchestra to make Expo City Dubai debut this week". The National.
- ^ "Atif Aslam to perform first time with Firdaus orchestra in Dubai - Saachi Baat". February 15, 2023.
- ^ "Firdaus Orchestra to make Expo City Dubai debut alongside Indian composer AR Rahman". gulfnews.com. November 19, 2022.
- ^ Gillett, Katy (January 23, 2023). "Mayyas and Firdaus Orchestra speak of 'honour' to perform with Beyonce in Dubai". The National.