Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is pleased to announce its support for the participation of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai (NYO Dubai) and its String Camerata Orchestra in the 18th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, taking place in Vienna from 3–7 July 2026 under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, and under the auspices of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.
- The National Youth Orchestra Dubai becomes the first UAE-based orchestra to perform at three Vienna concert venues.
- The tour includes the world premiere of Threads of Light by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.
- The orchestra will compete in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival.
This participation reflects the success of Dubai Culture’s Emirati Music Education Programme, delivered under the Dubai Cultural Grant programme in partnership with NYO Dubai, in identifying, nurturing, and empowering emerging musical talent. The programme forms part of the Authority’s continued efforts to strengthen the role of music and the arts as platforms for cultural dialogue while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
As part of the orchestra’s artistic tour of Vienna, supported through the Dubai Cultural Grant programme, the National Youth Orchestra Dubai will inaugurate the festival’s performance programme with a concert at the Grand Konzerthaus attended by senior officials, diplomats, artists, and musicians from around the world.
During the tour, the orchestra will also perform at the Musikverein (Golden Hall) and the ORF RadioKulturhaus, becoming the first UAE-based orchestra to perform at these world-renowned venues. The ORF RadioKulturhaus performance on 6 July will be livestreamed globally, allowing audiences in the UAE and beyond to experience this milestone performance. The tour will further include concerts and specialised masterclasses led by internationally renowned conductors and music educators.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said: “The participation of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai and its String Orchestra in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival represents a significant milestone that demonstrates the positive impact of Dubai Culture’s Emirati Music Education Programme in preparing young musicians to perform and compete internationally. It also demonstrates the success of Dubai Culture’s efforts to build a sustainable music ecosystem capable of discovering, nurturing, and empowering emerging talent.”
“Through our partnerships and high-quality initiatives, we continue to provide a supportive environment that enables young musicians to learn, grow, and engage with leading international expertise. This participation reflects the positive impact of the Emirati Music Education Programme in preparing a new generation of musicians capable of representing the UAE on some of the world’s most distinguished artistic stages, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent,” Al Suwaidi concluded.
On 3 July, the String Orchestra will present the world premiere of ‘Threads of Light’ by acclaimed Emirati composer Ihab Darwish at the Grand Konzerthaus. The work will be performed again on 4 July at the Musikverein (Golden Hall) and on 6 July at the ORF RadioKulturhaus.
Ihab Darwish said: “Threads of Light represents a significant milestone in my journey as a composer. Writing this work for these exceptional young musicians and seeing it receive its world premiere on Vienna’s iconic stages is truly special. The composition explores what individual voices can achieve when they come together in harmony and listen to one another.”
Celebrating unity, hope, and the collective voice of youth, the composition highlights the young talent’s ability to reach leading international stages while contributing to the global cultural landscape.
The National Youth Orchestra Dubai Strings Camerata has also qualified to compete in the festival’s main international competition on 4 July at the Musikverein (Golden Hall) alongside youth orchestras from around the world before an international jury.
Performing on these iconic stages marks an important milestone in the development of young musicians supported through Dubai Culture’s talent development initiatives, while reflecting Dubai’s growing prominence on the global cultural and artistic stage.
Amira Fouad, Founder, Executive Director, and Artistic Director of NYO Dubai, said: “Vienna holds a special place in my musical journey. Returning today as Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestra Dubai, as we prepare to present a world premiere and compete at the Musikverein’s Golden Hall, is an extraordinary moment. This achievement reflects our belief that Dubai has the vision and ability to discover, nurture, and empower young talent, enabling them to flourish and perform on some of the world’s most prestigious musical stages.”
28.06.2026 Stockholm
The Editor in Chief, Halina Rosa
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