Tuning into diversity

The recently celebrated World Music Day with the theme, "Unite People in Joy and Peace," reminds us why the international community must unite and celebrate the importance of music and its role in our society 

One of the reasons music brings people together is its universal appeal, regardless of who we are or where we come from. As musicians, we recognize music as a shared language that unites people from diverse backgrounds. 

Take a classical ensemble, for example. Here, individuals who may have never met each other and don't speak the same language can all recognize one of Beethoven's symphonies, and some may even be able to play it beautifully. This shared bond of playing and listening to music creates a sense of community and helps people feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Monica Woodman, Conductor of the Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative of Expo City Dubai, contributes an exclusive piece reflecting music's profound influence on our lives, bridging cultures and fostering a sense of belonging among diverse groups.

Inclusivity resonates exceptionally well in the UAE, a nation known for its home to over 200 nationalities. World Music Day, celebrated on June 21, is about breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive environment. The slogan "Faites de la musique" (make music) invites everyone, regardless of skill level, to participate and share their love of music. The message of celebrating World Music Day — bringing people together — is already in our country, in the UAE's DNA.

The UAE government doesn't just talk about diversity and inclusivity; it puts these principles into action through various supportive initiatives, and music and the arts are core to this. From talent programs like the ten-year cultural golden visa for musicians to generous funding for local music institutions, we're witnessing many beautiful initiatives that have significantly enhanced the work of those in the industry in this country.

Music has the power to unite people and provides a platform where we can break down existing barriers and empower individuals. This is particularly true for women musicians, historically underrepresented in classical music worldwide. In the US, for instance, only 15% of orchestra conductors are women. Even today, women musicians make up only one-third of the members of European orchestras. These statistics reflect female classical musicians' global challenges throughout their professional journeys.

One way to address this lack of representation is by creating platforms where women musicians from all walks of life can unite and experience the thrill and beauty of musical collaboration. This approach will enhance their visibility and career progression and provide a unique and enriching experience for the audience.

Firdaus Orchestra, which was created during Expo 2020 under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, is a testament to this; we've had the privilege of building a trailblazing all-female ensemble, bringing together 56 talented female musicians from 28 different nationalities. As the flagship orchestra of Expo 2020, we were fortunate enough to delight millions of visitors worldwide during that exhilarating event. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to draw inspiration from Western, Indian, and Arabic musical traditions in performances and crafting original scores. The female empowerment and solidarity atmosphere has given us an incredible drive to perfect our sound and present our work to the global audience.

The success of initiatives like the Firdaus Orchestra showcases the power of music to break down barriers. With numerous arts and culture initiatives in the pipeline, this is the start of a beautiful journey of artistic exploration and growth in our country.

We look forward with hope and aspirations; together, we can continue cultivating a richer, more inclusive nation through the universal language of music. It's time to recognize and appreciate our progress and the journey ahead.