Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative of Expo City Dubai, is an all-women ensemble of 56 musicians from 28 nationalities based out of the United Arab Emirates. Firdaus, meaning ‘paradise’ in Arabic, is the brainchild of Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO Expo City Dubai.

The orchestra, conducted by Monica Woodman, is mentored by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, who has been involved with the ensemble ever since its inception in 2020.

Moored in Indian, Arabic and western traditions, Firdaus Orchestra takes pride in presenting this project created by world-renowned music legend A.R. Rahman.

With 90% of the compositions being instrumental, the tracks are on a myriad themes ranging from love, humanity and relationships. ‘Unsung’ is a tribute to all the people who produce things for which they do not look for recognition. “They just do things — like an angel, or a fairy godmother or father. And they do things, helping other people to shine. It could be your parents, teacher, it could be somebody who gives charity, or somebody who’s creating something incredible, but they don’t want to be known. They just wanted to do something for humanity,” Rahman has said.
Humanitas, a 17-minute opus loaded with Indian classical elements, is soon to follow ‘Unsung’. The remaining pieces will each be released through the year.

“People love instrumental music, people love music without words, because some of those pieces actually speak much more than just words. Sometimes the language limits an audience to certain things, but here when you talk about instrumental, especially orchestral music, it has a more global appeal,” Rahman is reported to have said.

Firdaus Orchestra is famous for featuring Middle Eastern and Indian instruments, along with Western orchestral instruments. Founded in 2020 with not even a studio to speak of, the orchestra today operates out of the ultra-modern Firdaus Studio in Dubai.