7 April - Opening Day of MECMA
Making a remarkable comeback in the heart of Dubai on Monday, 7th April, 2025, the highly-anticipated MECMA, a groundbreaking educational initiative, is all set to provide students with an unrivalled opportunity to study, train, and develop their skills.
Making a remarkable comeback in the heart of Dubai on Monday, 7th April, 2025, the highly-anticipated MECMA, a groundbreaking educational initiative, is all set to provide students with an unrivalled opportunity to study, train, and develop their skills surrounded by colleagues and classical music enthusiasts while basking in the beauty of the Middle East. Offering intensive masterclasses for youth orchestras along with a series of individual lectures and masterclasses in different categories such as violin, cello, flute, french horn to trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, and others, the grand affair is hosted by world-renowned professors boasting years of experience and a string of accolades under their belt, along with impressive daytime concerts hosted in some of the Pearl of the Gulf's best venues.
Today, on 7th April 2025, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the first official day of classes was in full swing, bringing students from all over the world to gather in the spacious auditoriums of Two Seasons Hotel, a hub for arts, culture and global talent, enthusiastic to immerse themselves in a rigorous educational programme that promises to provide a transformative musical experience. The day commenced with harmonious orchestral masterclasses in the stunning Sky Zayed room led by the esteemed Jastar from 10:00 AM to noon, allowing groups to study, practice their instruments, and grow together as a cohesive unit. This was followed by intensive choir lessons from 12:00-15:00, specifically designed for choral ensembles and voice students.
Expressing excitement about the first day of masterclasses, a student of Arno Babajanyan Musician Pedagogical College said, "I have been a musician for seven years, and I have to say, MECMA has been a truly rewarding experience so far. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in these wonderful masterclasses. The students and professors I have encountered are incredibly welcoming and provide invaluable insights, making me feel fortunate to be a part of this academy."
A series of individual masterclasses also unfolded, beginning in the sleek surrounding of Room 1 Dalia on the 6th floor, where Giuliano Mazzoccante (Italy), an illustrious master pianist who has won more than 50 national and international competitions, instructed participants on everything they needed to know about the workings of the grand piano. This was followed by detailed lessons from Victor Caldera (Spain), a maestro who has performed concerts, toured around the world and given several exceptional masterclasses, who taught trumpet techniques in Room 3 Sapphire on the 5th floor.
Speaking about his experience at MECMA, Caldera, principal trumpet of Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela shared, ''I am delighted to be here as a professor with the Franz Schubert Philharmonic at the invitation of Tomàs Grau. It has been a wonderful experience working with such amazing children. MECMA is a fantastic initiative, and I feel privileged to be a part of it, especially as it reminds me of the work we do in Venezuela with El Sistema, a social action music programme that supports children and is incredibly meaningful. Supporting children and young people is the best investment we can make for the future and the arts, allowing the best of our humanity to shine through. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with new people.''
As students retire for the evening, they look forward to a bustling day of classes and concertos tomorrow, waiting for the next chapter of their musical journeys to unfold. Watch this space to stay updated with all things MECMA!
To keep up-to-date with all the latest information about MECMA and its exciting daily activities, visit our official website and check out the daily news!
