A new youth orchestra program in Abu Dhabi will provide free music education and instruments to 100 children aged six to nine when it opens in January 2027, The National reported.
The institution, established by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, will be based in a Frank Gehry-designed building in the Mina Zayed district featuring a 600-seat concert hall and 18 rehearsal and practice rooms, according to The National. Pupils will attend group lessons four times a week after school and on two Saturdays each month, led by teaching artists, with training covering both western classical and Arabic musical traditions.
The program is intended to support pupils over the longer term, allowing them to develop skills and progress through ensemble playing, The National reported. Additional ensembles for advanced pupils are planned during its first year. The approach draws on Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, founded by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and inspired by El Sistema, the music education movement that began in Venezuela.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the program is about creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their potential through music, helping build confidence, creativity, discipline and collaboration, The National reported. Alongside its teaching program, the venue will host public performances, master classes and community events.
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