THE ARTS CENTER
Performance

World Premiere

Vivaldi: A Jounrey East

Presented by the UAE National Orchestra

Sat, Feb 7 @ 7:30pm, 2026

The Red Theater, The Arts Center

Imagine if Antonio Vivaldi had travelled east. Vivaldi: A Journey East invites audiences to consider what might have unfolded had the Venetian master encountered the instruments, modes, and sounds of the Arab world. A musical dialogue emerges, as harpsichord converses with the qanun, and violin answers the oud, finding shared language. The concert celebrates imagination, connection, and curiosity, reimagining music anew, carrying Vivaldi’s genius along the Silk Road, where harmony becomes exploration and discovery becomes sound.

UAE National Orchestra

The UAE National Orchestra (UAENO) is a groundbreaking cultural initiative, with a mission to build our nation’s orchestra on the foundations of Emirati musical heritage, connected across its diverse community, and exploring connections with musical traditions from around the world.

Under the visionary leadership of Chairperson Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE National Orchestra will enrich the nation’s artistic landscape, providing career opportunities for professional musicians. It will honor the UAE’s musical heritage while embracing modern multiculturalism – developing a distinctive style and sound that reflects the country’s cultural diversity of the modern nation.

Through dedicated capacity-building programmes and international partnerships, the orchestra will provide training, support, and mentorship for emerging musicians, enhancing the local musical ecosystem and fostering future generations of artists. Through this orchestra, the UAE reaffirms its dedication to becoming a beacon of cultural excellence on the global stage.