Dubai, UAE
The InClassica International Music Festival celebrates its penultimate concert of the 2023 edition on Thursday 9th March with a special evening at Dubai’s majestic Dubai Opera featuring the Winner of the 2018 Shanghai Isaac Stern Violin Competition, and Associated Artist of the Queen Elisabeth Chapel, violinist Nancy Zhou. Joining her on stage will be the celebrated Middle East Orchestra, who will be playing under the baton of the esteemed Italian conductor, pianist and composer Giuseppe Bruno, the Prize Winner at the 1991 International Piano Contest in Rome and the 1992 “Viotti” Competition in Vercelli, and Director of the “Giacomo Puccini” Conservatoire in La Spezia. Renowned as one of the most exciting young violinists of our time, imbued with incredible technique, searing virtuosity and captivating emotional depth, Zhou shall be presenting an intriguing programme of seminal music alongside Bruno and the orchestra in what is sure to be a delightful and unforgettable performance.
Giuseppe Bruno Graduated With Honors In Piano, Composition And Conducting With Professors Specchi, Zangelmi And Taverna. He Also Studied Piano With Paolo Bordoni, Conducting With Leopold Hager And Attended A Seminar In Composition At The IRCAM In Paris. Performing For Several Years As A Pianist In Many Different Chamber Ensembles And As A Brilliant Soloist, Bruno Has Played With Many Important Orchestras Throughout The World And Conducted Prestigious Ensembles Such As Archi Della Scala, Orchestra Della Toscana, Ukraine National Orchestra, Sarajevo Philharmonic. He Has Collaborated With Great Conductors, Singers, Instrumentalists, And Participated In The “Festival Of Two Worlds” In Spoleto, Italy, And Charleston, South Carolina. Maestro Bruno Was A Prize Winner At The International Piano Contest In Rome In 1991 And Also In 1992 At The “Viotti” Competition In Vercelli, Italy, In A Duo With Violinist Alberto Bologni. He Has Recorded For Nuova Fonit Cetra, Diapason, SAM, Bongiovanni, Ars Publica, Sheva, Ars Musici, OnClassical, Da Vinci, As Well As For RAI, Swiss Radio, Vatican Radio And For WDR. In 2018 He Has Conducted The Italian Première Of Liszt’s Forgotten Opera “Sardanapalo” At The Lerici Music Festival. His Compositions Were Performed In Italy, China, USA, France, Germany And Recorded By Violinist Alberto Bologni And Saxophonist Valentina Renesto, His Transcription Of Mahler's “Purgatorio” (From The Symphony N.10) Was Published By Universal Edition Wien. Maestro Bruno Is Currently Director Of The “Giacomo Puccini” Conservatoire In La Spezia.
Lauded as one of today's probing musical voices, Nancy Zhou harbors a robust presence thatseeks to invigorate appreciation for the art and science of the violin. Her thoughtful musicianship resonates with a global audience in such a way that brings her on stage with leading orchestras around the world.
The violinist has collaborated with the Royal Stockholm, Hong Kong Philharmonics; Shanghai, Kansas City and San Diego Symphonies, among others. Alongside projects as a soloist, Nancy harbors interest in chamber music and music education. She has visited the Tanglewood, Verbier, Ravinia Festivals. The violinist devotes time to a private online studio as well, teaching students across the globe and presenting masterclasses on fundamental training andcultivating mindful awareness critical to performance.
This season, the violinist explores works outside the traditional oeuvre. Chinese composer Zhao Jiping’s first concerto was performed with the New Jersey Symphony at the Lincoln Center. She will also appear with the Würzburg Philharmonic in Germany and return to Italy for recitals.
American-born, Nancy commenced violin studies with her father, later studying with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory while simultaneously pursuing her interest in literature at Harvard University. She is additionally an Associated Artist at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
Founded by SAMIT Event Group, the Middle East Orchestra (MEO) is an exciting new initiative which seeks to tap into the rich musical potential that is harboured in this fast-growing region.
For as long as history can recall, the Middle East has not only been a vital artery allowing the transfer of knowledge and wisdom around the globe, but has itself been a crucial multicultural melting pot, bringing together talented artists and innovative creators from all over the world, and enriching them with its own heritage.
This was the spirit that inspired SAMIT when it launched the MEO back in 2022, bringing together an eclectic group of international musicians for the Second Edition of the Middle East Classical Music Academy, which was organised together with the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi. Taking on the role of Orchestra-in-Residence for the event, the ensemble performed to great acclaim in multiple concerts throughout the UAE alongside various esteemed soloists under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductors.
Now, heading into 2023, the MEO boasts a roster of musicians from more than 10 different nations, all communicating ideas through the international language that is Music!
Guided by the invigorating vision of Artistic Director Gianluca Marciano and the direction of Chief Conductor Howard Wong, the Orchestra now looks forward to a packed 2023, where they will be presenting a new concert programme that has been specially prepared for this season.
Through it all, the Middle East Orchestra will continue to celebrate the value of individual identity and global citizenship, while working tirelessly to provide a vital contribution to the cultural fabric of this region.
