Classical spectacle from WNO Orchestra starts milestone Journey of Celebrations"

The 20th anniversary edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) got off to a spectacular melodious start, as the world-class Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera (WNO), enthralled thousands of people who thronged Etisalat Festive Park in Zabeel to watch the festivals main opening event.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), DSF 2015 will take place until 1 February 2015 under the special theme, 20th Anniversary - A Journey of Celebrations. Set to be the biggest in the history of the festival, DSF 2015 offers more than 150 citywide attractions and mega events, numerous shopping opportunities and winning options for visitors from around the world.

For its special DSF performance, the WNO Orchestra had 75 artists on stage including celebrity musicians of the calibre of legendary Indian Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his two sons Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, the renowned pianist Cecile Licad from the Philippines and the distinguished Chinese conductor Xian Zhang. who had the audience spellbound from start to finish. The afternoon concert was also attended by several senior officials including Her Excellency Laila Mohammed Suhail CEO of DFRE and senior managers from DFRE and DTCM, as well as representatives of DFREs Strategic Partners, Key Sponsors of DSF 2015, and the media.

The pleasant New Year evening turned out to be a spectacular treat for every visitor to the Park as euphonious sounds from violins, cellos, double basses, flutes, clarinets and many other instruments engaged and entertained audiences, as a welcome and an invitation to all families to be a part of DSFs beautiful Journey of Celebrations.

Visitors and residents of various nationalities were seen relishing the masterpiece musical act as the world-famous musicians recreated magical orchestral scores from Argentina, Brazil, France, Russia and India. The performances resonated with DSFs universal slogan of One World, One Family, One Festival as the splendid sight of the audiences from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds thoroughly drenched in music, showcased Dubais element of unity in diversity like never before.

Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy the premiere of Dubai-based composer Joanna Marshs Kahayla, an allegorical piece about ambition and cultural pride and a tribute to the towering Burj Khalifa.

Graig and Rachel Lacey, a Dubai-based couple from Birmingham, England, said: It is an absolutely incredible musical spectacle so far. The setting is great, the weather is lovely and we are really happy to be able to attend this event today and cant wait to see what the second half of the show has in store for us.

Its a great performance and a great show. We are truly enjoying our time with the WNO Orchestra. It was amazing to be a part of this international orchestral performance in a lively setting like this Park, said Abdullah Alsousi, a Palestinian national who enjoyed the performance with his wife Doaa and two kids.

I came here specifically for the WNO Orchestra. It is a great initiative by the organisers to bring such a world-class ensemble to the people gratis. Usually, you would have to pay a lot to be able to watch orchestra performances like these. Its a great opportunity for the people of Dubai and a fantastic way to start the New Year as well as the Dubai Shopping Festival, said Graig, a Dubai resident from London, who attended the WNO Orchestra with his family.

Manisha and Aruna from India, on the other hand, had just arrived at the venue and were gearing up to see Amjad Ali Khan perform live. We are really excited to be here and cant wait for the second half of the WNO Orchestra to begin and watch Indian Sarod players Amjad Ali Khan and his two sons enchant us with their magic of music.

The WNO Orchestra was held as part of Etisalat Festive Park in Zabeel a new concept by DFRE and Etisalat offering families a wonderful opportunity to get-together and celebrate the 32 days of DSF 2015, with a number of fun-filled events and activities.