Khaleej Times

Rahman-led all-female orchestra to bring curtains down on Space Week

- reporters@khaleejtim­es.com

Firdaus Orchestra, the pioneering­all-womenmusic­al ensemble led by Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman, will close Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Week today

The orchestra will render a stellar space-themed repertoire comprising Western classical music and an original compositio­n by Rahman.

Starting at 7pm at Expo 2020’s Jubilee Park, the Firdaus Orchestra, led by conductor Yasmina Sabbah and representi­ng a melange of musical talent from the Arab world, will bring their spellbindi­ng show to Expo’s Space Week celebratio­ns.

The one-hour performanc­e will include Also sprach Zarathustr­a, the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as music from Star Wars and ET – Adventures on Earth. It will also feature Karl Jenkins’ Palladio, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and a grand finale performanc­e by A.R. Rahman who will present an exclusive new compositio­n, Humanitas-proorismós-al Amal – an ode by the composer to space explorers. Al Amal is the Arabic word for ‘Hope’, which, is also the name of the first Arab mission to Mars.

AR Rahman said: “To know the unknown is the quest of life, and by exploring space, we explore ourselves.”

Expo ticket-holders wishing to attend the orchestra’s inaugural performanc­e today must arrive early. Due to limited capacity at the venue, access will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Expo tickets can be purchased online at www.expo2020.com.

The Space Week which closes today hosted astronauts, thought-leaders, and other space experts — highlighti­ng the latest innovation­s in space research and travel and providing a platform to discuss critical issues.

 ?? KT file ?? The Firdaus Orchestra is all set to render a stellar space-themed repertoire today. —
KT file The Firdaus Orchestra is all set to render a stellar space-themed repertoire today. —
 ?? A.R. Rahman ??
A.R. Rahman

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