Step into a world of holiday wonder this November as Encore and Dubai Opera present an unforgettable concert of Festive Favourites, featuring a special screening of the beloved animated film. The evening will also include traditional festive music including The Nutcracker and other holiday favourites. Join us for an enchanting evening that promises to ignite your festive spirit and create lasting memories!

This remarkable event showcases the extraordinary talent of the National Youth Orchestra, the largest in the UAE featuring gifted young musicians who embody passion, creativity, and skill. Under the baton of our accomplished conductor and faculty, the orchestra will breathe new life into classic festive tunes, performing beloved melodies that have become synonymous with the holiday season. Expect to hear heartwarming arrangements of your favorite carols, along with vibrant symphonic pieces that celebrate the joy and camaraderie of this special time of year.

Encore is supported by Royal Grammar School Guildford.

A Magical Film Experience

As the orchestra brings the music to life, audiences will also be treated to a captivating screening of The Snowman, the iconic animated film based on Raymond Briggs' classic story. This heartwarming tale of a young boy and his magical snowman is beautifully brought to life by hauntingly memorable music, including the timeless song “Walking in the Air.” As you enjoy the film, the full orchestra will perform its evocative score live on stage, creating a mesmerising fusion of sight and sound that will enchant audiences of all ages.

An Evening for Everyone

Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Snowman or discovering it for the first time, this concert offers a delightful experience for families, children and audiences of all ages. With the stunning backdrop of Dubai's architectural masterpiece - Dubai Opera - the evening promises to be a festive celebration filled with warmth, nostalgia, and sheer joy.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Celebration

Gather your loved ones and mark your calendars for this must-see event on 23 November, 2024. Let the music and magic of the holiday season sweep you away in a spectacular celebration that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary musical experience. Secure your tickets today and join us at Dubai Opera as we ring in the festive season with the National Youth Orchestra and the enchanting world of The Snowman!

Jonathan Winter Barrett, Conductor

Combined Orchestras

Ishy Bilady The UAE National Anthem

Mohammed Abdel Wahab (1902-1991)

arranged by Munir Bakieh

National Youth Orchestra Junior Division

A Holiday Celebration

Traditional - arranged by Michael Story

Christmas at the Symphony

Traditional - arranged by Michael Story

March Slav

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)

Traditional - arranged by Chris Bernotas

Christmas Carols for Orchestra

Traditional - arranged by Paul Baker

National Youth Concert Band

Conducted by Ms Jackie Hayter

Dreamsong

Richard L Saucedo (b. 1957)

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Jule Styne (1905 - 1994)

arranged by Johnnie Vinson

National Youth Orchestra Strings Camerata

Conducted and led by Mr Jonathan Winter Barrett and Ms Eva Gräsbeck

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

arranged by Calvin Custer

The Bells of Christmas Medley

arranged by Greg Gilpin

orchestrated by Jonathan Winter Barrett

Suite of Carols

Traditional - arranged by Leroy Anderson

Featuring The Giocoso Singers from Nord Anglia School

Ms Deborah Bannister and Ms Kirsty Young, Directors

INTERVAL

National Youth Orchestra

Suite from The Nutcracker

I. March

II. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

III. Trepak

IV. Waltz of the Flowers

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)

Arranged by Merle J. Isaac

The Snowman

Howard David Blake (b.1938 -)

Film Screening

Live music performed by The National Youth Orchestra

Narrator, Rob Johnston

Vocal Soloist, Hadassah Da Silva

Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes including an interval

Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.

5+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

Below 5+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

This ticket is sold subject to these Ticketing Terms and Conditions (the “T&C”). The T&C should be read carefully prior to purchase and purchase of Ticket(s) constitutes acceptance of the T&C.

  • This ticket must be produced to gain entry into an event.

  • Removing any part of, altering or defacing the ticket may invalidate it.

  • This ticket must not, without the prior written consent of Dubai Opera, be resold or used for advertising, promotion or other commercial purposes, if not the ticket will be cancelled immediately.

  • This ticket is only valid for the specific date, time and event shown.

  • Dubai Opera does not offer refunds or exchanges as a result of a change in your personal circumstances. Dubai Opera at its sole discretion may only refund or exchange a ticket if an event is cancelled or rescheduled and you cannot attend the rescheduled event. This includes, but is not limited to, any circumstances related to Covid-19 which might prevent you from attending.

  • Dubai Opera can only replace lost, stolen or damaged tickets if the authenticity of the ticket can be verified, including proof of purchase, subject to replacement fee.

  • Dubai Opera reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programmes, prices, seating arrangements and audience capacity without prior notice.

  • Admission to an event is subject to Dubai Opera’s Conditions of Entry which can be found on Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com

  • Where concessions are applicable, valid proof of identity and concession entitlement must be provided for collection of tickets at the event.

  • Entry to the event may be subject to age restrictions specified in Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com or in publicity for the event, and no refund will be made on the grounds that the ticket holder was not aware of such age restrictions.

  • Dubai Opera reserves the right without refund or compensation to refuse admission/evict any person(s) whose conduct is disorderly or inappropriate or who poses a threat to security, or to the enjoyment of the event by others.

  • The ticket holder agrees to submit to any search for any prohibited items including but not limited to weapons, controlled, dangerous and illegal substances and recording devices.

  • Patrons arriving late to a performance will only be admitted into the auditorium at a suitable pause or intermission. Latecomers may be seated in alternative seat locations if available to avoid disruption of the performance.

  • The use of mobile phones, camera and other electronic devised inside the auditorium are prohibited. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.

  • The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risk and danger incidental to the event whether occurring prior to, during or subsequent to the actual event, including any death, personal injury, loss, damage or liability.

  • Food & Beverage purchased outside Dubai Opera are not permitted. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. This applies before the show, during the show and during the intermission. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.