The group, comprising UAE residents of various nationalities and professions, will play a wide range of orchestral music

It is music to the ears to hear that a group of UAE residents, both amateur and professional players, have come together to showcase their musical talent. The Dubai Chamber Orchestra presents its inaugural concert at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management on March 12 and 13 at 8.00pm.

From classical to baroque and 20th century genres, the programme will feature a wide range of orchestral music.

Founded in the summer of 2002, The Dubai Chamber Orchestra consists of musicians of various nationalities and professions living in the Emirates. At the helm is conductor Philip Cree, the head of music, and co-ordinator of creative arts, at the English College in Dubai.

"While most of us have performed for other events and accompanied choral productions in the UAE often, this is the first time we play together and feature purely orchestral music. The idea was to form a society of musicians who regularly play and enjoy music and aim at giving two public performances a year," says Cree.

Amidst the familiar melodies of Mozart and Holst, the audience will be treated to two unique compositions during the concert. One is a concertina for the piano and string orchestra by English composer Walter Leigh, who was killed in action in Libya at the age of 36 leaving behind a few select pieces of music.

Gordon Hardman, experienced pianist and teacher at Dubai College, will feature in this presentation.

The other highlight of the show is the regional premiere of Handel's Gloria with guest soprano Michelle Todd. Coincidently, this composition, also known as the New Messiah, was discovered in the Royal Academy archives and revealed to the public exactly two years ago to the day of the Dubai concert – March 12, 2001.

"It is exciting as an artiste to be performing this piece for the first time, as it is quite technically demanding and incredibly textured. What resonates to me the most right now is the second movement of the piece, an expression for the need for peace on earth," says Michelle.

Originally from the UK, Michelle, an award-winning soprano and actress, came to Dubai two years ago.

"With Dubai being a such a transient society for expatriates, it has been difficult to get a permanent group of musicians together to play in an orchestra. This concert will definitely be a memorable inauguration," adds Linda Brentano, event coordinator for the Dubai Chamber Orchestra. There will be no charges for tickets.

However, advance reservations must be made at dubaichamberorchestra@hotmail.com for entry to the concert.