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Music is a universal language. It has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, and the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) is a shining example of this. EYSO is hosting the Dubai International Peace Music Festival for Young Virtuosos, where the young musicians of Dubai will spend a week with children from all over the Middle East and do what they do best — play music.
Talented
After more than a decade of concerts and performances in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, France and the Czech Republic by this group of talented young musicians, orchestra conductor Riad Kalsi, the festival's brainchild, said: "The idea for a young virtuosos' festival in the Middle East, open to all nationalities, is a natural progression. We had so many talented individuals and I knew there would be many more in the region."
The first Dubai International Peace Music Festival for Young Virtuosos, which is a Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) event, was held in the emirate in 2004 following months of preparation.
Riad added: "We adopted the banner of peace in our festival name because children from all over the world, and music in general are the symbols of unity among nations that can promote world peace."
The competition
Violinists and pianists are invited from all over the Middle East to participate in the competition as well as perform with EYSO.
Today is the last day of the competition. Competitions are held in the morning in front of a jury, while in the evening, winners of the morning competition perform some of their solo pieces in front of an audience.
The oldest... Pateil Tuysuzian
Pateil Tuysuzian, 17, has played with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra since she was 10 and says it is the best way to meet friends with similar interests.
A student at the American School of Dubai, she plays the violin, clarinet and saxophone.
She said: "It is quite hard to find the time to practise but if you want to improve, then it's the only way forward.
"I love playing in the orchestra because I have met many of my friends here and you always have the chance to meet other people outside of school."
Pateil has been playing the violin since she was 4 and says it was something she just knew she wanted.
"My great grandfather played the violin but I never really knew that when I started. I just wanted to play and worked hard."
The youngest: Lucia Cafoor-Camps
She is just 7 years old and has been playing the violin for about a year now. A student at the Repton School in Nad Al Sheba, she said: "I like playing the violin because I get to meet lots of people.
"My sister is 13 and she also plays and I am just following in her footsteps. I started playing the violin in England before we moved here but I have never played in an orchestra before. It's fun and it makes you practise more, because you don't want to let people down. But sometimes I get very nervous.
"I practise for about 45 minutes each day and I have one lesson each week so I can get better."
Programme
Today: Piano and violin recital by 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners of International Competition at American University in Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road. There will also be performances by jury members.
Tomorrow: Violin and piano recital by 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners of Arabian Competition at the American University in Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road. There will also be performances by Piano Trio by young virtuoso from Cairo Conservatory. EYSO's Chamber Orchestra will play Concerto Vivaldi for four Violins and Orchestra.
Wednesday: Symphony Orchestra of Jan Neruda Music School in Prague at the American University in Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road.
Thursday: EYSO and Symphony Orchestra Of Jan Neruda Music School in Prague, conducted by Riad Kudsi at the Ministry of Culture, in Abu Dhabi.
Friday: Closing Ceremony at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates. Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra Of Jan Neruda Music School in Prague will perform.
Solo will be played by the 1st Prize winner of International and Arabian Competition.
The award ceremony will follow.
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