Firdaus Orchestra
Firdaus Orchestra is an all-women musical ensemble in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The orchestra is named Firdaus, meaning "paradise" in Arabic. It was founded in 2020 by the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation for performances during Expo City Dubai.
History
[edit]Firdaus Orchestra was founded by Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates.[1] Mentored by Indian composer A.R. Rahman, the orchestra plays a mix of classical Western, international pop, film scores, and fusion music.[2][3] In their performances they have presented symphonic compositions by as well as Western orchestral works.[4][5]
As of 2021, Firdaus Orchestra comprised some 50 women musicians from 25 nations of the Arab region and beyond, some of whom are classically trained.[1] The musicians perform on Middle Eastern instruments such as qanun, buzuq, ney, oud, daf, darbuka and Indian sitar, along with Western orchestral instruments.[6]
In its second season the orchestra accompanied women artists including Beyonce, Sunmisola Agebebi, Katrina Velarde, as well as male singer Atif Aslam from Pakistan.[6]
Selected performances and recordings
[edit]- Digital release of 'Moonlight Sonata' conceptualized by A.R. Rahman.[7]
- Performance for International Women's Day on 8 March 2022 with Qawwali Project, Nabyla Maan, Rakshita Suresh, Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman, Sucheta Satish.[8][6]
- Expo 2020 Dubai Closing Ceremony with Christina Aguilera, Nora Jones and Grammy Winner Yo Yo Ma.[9]
- Recording for Madras Talkies movies directed by Mani Ratnam, PS I and PS II.[10]
The Reinvent Series
[edit]The Reinvent Series was launched on World Music Day (21 June 2023) with a concert performance including Middle Eastern instruments and captured for a 50-minutes film featuring rearranged pieces by German classical composer Johannes Brahms.[8] On this occasion, Firdaus Orchestra performed four of Brahms' compositions: Hungarian Dances, Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Symphony No. 3 and Variations on a Theme by Haydn.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Kapur, Sohaila (November 19, 2021). "A.R. Rahman's Firdaus Orchestra Shines Bright at Expo 2020 Dubai". rollingstoneindia.com. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ Badam, Ramola Talwar (June 25, 2023). "Dubai's all-female Firdaus Orchestra is groundbreaking". The National.
- ↑ "Firdaus Orchestra to make Expo City Dubai debut alongside Indian composer AR Rahman". gulfnews.com. November 19, 2022.
- ↑ "Expo City Dubai's Firdaus Orchestra celebrates World Music Day with tribute to Brahms". Al Arabiya English. June 21, 2023.
- ↑ "Here's The Story Of UAE's First & Only All Women Orchestra - 'Firdaus'". IndiaTimes. December 15, 2022.
- 1 2 3 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". saachibaat.com. February 15, 2023. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- 1 2 "A R Rahman: Dubai's all-female Firdaus Orchestra is groundbreaking". thenationalnews.com. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Expo 2020 Dubai: Stunning closing show pays tribute to 6 historic months; as it happened". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ "Behind the Orchestral Work of AR Rahman's Score for Ponniyin Selvan 2". May 2023.
- ↑ Gillett, Katy (January 23, 2023). "Mayyas and Firdaus Orchestra speak of 'honour' to perform with Beyonce in Dubai". The National.
External links
[edit]- Firdaus Orchestra on Facebook
- Firdaus Orchestra channel on YouTube
- The ReInvent Series ft. Works of Johannes Brahms by Firdaus Orchestra
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