There is something magical about people creating music the good, old-fashioned way, without an invasion of digital technology or voice-manipulating gimmickry. This music has the power to transport the listener to another world, not just the streets of New York on a Saturday night.
For everyone at Shaikh Saeed Hall on Thursday night, the daily strife of life in Dubai melted away as they settled into the presence of incredible talent.
The bubble of beautiful music was courtesy of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which brought their magnetic touch to a range of classical music pieces, most from a number of beloved big-screen movies, seemingly to bring familiarity to an otherwise daunting prospect for the uninitiated.
The orchestra were performing for one night only and they attracted a packed arena at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Beginning with Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” and Mozart’s piano concerto no 21, played stunningly by the pianist, there was fun to be had after the interval when the music scores from “Jaws” and “Star Wars” came crashing into the audience. And they delighted in it, clapping along with heads nodding and wide smiles.
It was amazing to be able to enjoy a show such as this in Dubai, which clearly has a willing and ready audience. It was a perfect introduction to classical music, and it was nice to see many children in the audience enjoying it.
One slight grievance: From our platinum-priced seats, the sound didn’t seem to travel as much as it should have. And the curtains cutting us off from the outer hall did little for the acoustics. At one point, the shuffling, banging and lifting by the staff on the other side of the hall and — apologies for my “how Dubai” moment — the air conditioning, diluted certain sections of Mozart; a toxic blend that, I’m sure, the Austrian didn’t intend.
But the music was so enchanting and vibrant that it quickly swept me up again, and it was clear the audience felt exactly the same.
