Her Excellency Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Founder of the Abu Dhabi Festival, emphasized the importance of the historic celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-UAE diplomatic relations as an indication of the status and depth of bilateral ties between the two countries.

H.E. commented: “The exceptional presence of the Chinese National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East includes Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s classical music masterpieces from Scheherazade's rich cultural heritage One Thousand and One Nights, the Violin Concerto for The Butterfly Lovers by leading Chinese composers He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, and Ya Bahr from the heritage of the Emirati Sea, by international Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, with the participation of 12 Emirati musicians."

“As a contribution to strengthening the UAE's global presence, stimulating international cultural co-operation, building national creative capabilities, and exchanging experiences between international artists and UAE creators, the evening's programme included the distinguished presence of the brilliant Emirati cellist Elham Al Marzooqi, the exceptional participation of twenty musicians from the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra, and creative training for the UAE's most promising musicians," H.E. concluded.

The performance of Ya Bahr, by international Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, featured several talented Emirati musicians including Tariq Zaid Saleh HarbiAlmenhali on Oud, Taryam Mohamed Ali Abdulqader AlKatheeri, Alia Abdulla Zayed Sulaiman Aleissaee, Hessa Mubarak Saeed Hamad Alshamsi, and Muhammad Syafiq Bin Kamarul Azman on Taiko Drums, Juma Yousif Jumaia Almukaini Aljneibi, Ali Hassan Ali Abdulla Alhammadi, Dhahi Awadh Bakhit Al Shab, Mansoor Anbar Shamal Al Balushi, and Naji Said Abdullah Al Alawi on Khaleeji Drums/Percussion, Noura Saber Mohammed Saeed Almazrouei on Qanun, and Arsen Petroysan from Armenia on Duduk.

The Abu Dhabi Festival continues to invest in the potential of the nation’s youth through various educational initiatives. Four students, two violin and two cello, participated in a private masterclass with musicians from the CNSO on 13 December 2024, learning from a cellist and a violinist from the orchestra. Students and families were invited to an open rehearsal for the CNSO, providing an unrivalled opportunity to see and hear the performers up-close. 

The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra, in collaboration with the International Music Institute, offers a programme open to all music students in the UAE. Selected students become members of the Youth Orchestra and Choir, participating in free weekly rehearsals and workshops led by highly qualified instructors. Following their performance on 14 December at the Emirates Palace, the CNSO presented an encore with twenty student musicians from the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra. Notably, Elham Al Marzooqi, the UAE’s first professional female Emirati cellist, performed alongside CNSO. Elsewhere, Elham Al Marzooqi has participated in countless orchestral concerts and governmental initiatives in the UAE and abroad. She has also performed before local and foreign dignitaries.

The Abu Dhabi Festival’s presentation of the China National Symphony Orchestra reflects its unwavering commitment to fostering global cultural dialogue and celebrating artistic excellence. This event marked an important milestone in the Festival’s mission to bring world-class performances to audiences in the UAE and beyond.