Visit includes performances and master classes with students
in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the U.S. Mission
to the United Arab Emirates
Participation of The Philadelphia Orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai,
“Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” continues the Orchestra’s legacy of fostering people-to-people exchange through music
(Philadelphia, March 15, 2022)—Musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra will participate in performances and master classes in the United Arab Emirates, culminating in a performance at the Expo 2020 Dubai, representing the United States at the USA Pavilion.
As part of the Orchestra’s ongoing work to foster people-to-people exchange through music, the visit by a string quintet will include a performance at the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, master classes and a performance through the education outreach program of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and a performance at the Abu Dhabi Youth Hub.
The visit will culminate in a public performance on March 27 at 6:00 PM at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, where the string quintet will perform works by Dvořák, Gershwin, Haydn, Price, and Walker. The theme of Expo 2020 Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” The World Expo aims to inspire people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation, and cooperation from around the world.
Musicians representing The Philadelphia Orchestra on this visit include:
- Paul Arnold, violin (Joseph Brodo Chair, given by Peter A. Benoliel)
- Paul Roby, associate principal second violin (Sandra and David Marshall Chair)
- Yu-Ting Chen, violin
- Anna Marie Ahn Petersen, viola (Piasecki Family Chair)
- Derek Barnes, cello
“The U.S. Mission to the UAE is proud to bring musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra to perform in partnership with UAE cultural institutions in Fujairah, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Abu Dhabi,” said Robin Solomon, acting deputy chief of mission, U.S. Mission to the UAE. “From innovative approaches to classical music and connecting with communities through music education, The Philadelphia Orchestra has shared the transformative power of music with audiences across the globe. We believe audiences in the UAE will delight in the performances and master classes from this world-renowned ensemble.”
“Whether through master classes, performances in hospitals, lessons in schools, or pop-up community performances, The Philadelphia Orchestra has a rich history of connecting with communities through music at home and abroad,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “We are honored to have been selected for this opportunity, which speaks to the power of collaboration and embodies our mission to share the power, joy, and connection of music with the widest audience.”
The Philadelphia Orchestra has a rich history of performing at expos and world’s fairs, including the 1939 World’s Fair (New York City), Expo 58 (Brussels), Century 21 Exposition (in Seattle in 1962), 1964 World’s Fair (New York City), Expo 74 (Spokane), Expo 86 (Vancouver), and Expo 2010 (Shanghai).
Support for this visit comes from the Arts Envoy Program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Association of American Voices. The Arts Envoy Program engages American artists and arts professionals in cultural exchange programs and shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world.
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About The Philadelphia Orchestra
About Expo 2020 Dubai
About the Orchestra’s 2021–22 Season
Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies (IDEAS)
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CONTACT:
Ashley Berke
267.250.5148
[email protected]