A Night of Classical Delights at ToDA (Theatre of Digital Art-Dubai)

I never thought I'd be swept off my feet by classical music, but that's exactly what happened when I attended the launch of the UAE's first homegrown orchestra - the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra.

Let me take you on a journey through this unforgettable evening.

As soon as the invitation landed in my inbox, I knew I had to bring along my friend Genevieve Barrios-Struyf . She's not just any music lover - she's a classical music enthusiast who breathes symphonies and sonatas. Genevieve, who works as a Delegate Sales Manager at Informa Markets, was the perfect companion for this premiere event.

We arrived right on time at 7 PM, eager to soak in every moment. The lobby was buzzing with excitement, and we were greeted with champagne and a spread of delicious bites. But the star of the pre-show refreshments was definitely the live oyster station by Dibba Bay Oysters . You should have seen the crowd flocking to it!

As we mingled, I bumped into Elias Atallah , the Business Development Manager of Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA). He was pacing back and forth with his signature green drink on hand, talking to guests and making sure everyone was enjoying the night. - and boy, I sure did! It was the perfect start to an evening full of surprises.

I also snagged my good friend Theogenes Alexius to my corner, the marketing wizard behind ToDA ( Theatre of Digital Art ). He's the guy driving brand growth and communications, and let me tell you, he's a master at elevating experiences in art and innovation.

When we finally settled into our seats, the magic began. The orchestra, under the direction of the talented Nicolas Mann , took us on a musical journey through time. We started with the Baroque period, featuring pieces by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber and Jean-Philippe Rameau. The music was lively and intricate, setting the perfect tone for the evening.

Next came the Classical period, with excerpts from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. I found myself tapping my foot to the familiar melodies of "Prometheus".

The Romantic period brought us the sweeping emotions of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings". I glanced at Genevieve during this piece, and she was completely entranced.

As we moved into the Impressionism era with Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune", I felt like I was floating on a cloud of music. The gentle, dreamy notes washed over us, creating a moment of pure bliss.

The concert concluded with pieces from the Post-Romantic/Modern and Contemporary eras, including Gustav Holst's "St. Paul Suite" and Arvo P?rt's "Fratres". These more recent compositions showed just how diverse and exciting classical music can be.

What made this experience truly unique was the 360-degree digital art that surrounded us at TODA. As the music played, stunning visuals danced around the room, bringing each piece to life in ways I never imagined possible.

This wasn't just a concert - it was a full sensory experience that left me exhilarated and hungry for more. Who knew classics could be so exciting?

If you're a fan of classical music - or even if you're not (yet!) - I can't recommend the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra enough. Their debut season, "Baroque & Beyond", kicks off on September 21st, 2024, at TODA in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

With more concerts planned throughout the year, including "Classical & Beyond", "Romantic & Beyond", and "Impressionism & Beyond", there's something for everyone. Each performance promises to be more than just music - expect narration, fascinating facts, and even a touch of humor.

So, whether you're a classical music buff like Genevieve or a curious newcomer like me, grab your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable night. The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra is set to become a cultural gem in our vibrant city, and I, for one, can't wait to see what they do next!