UAE Philharmonic Orchestra announces chief conductor Nicolas Mann's selection for the prestigious Rachmaninoff Competition
The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that its chief conductor, Nicolas Mann, has been selected to compete at the prestigious II International Rachmaninoff Competition, a landmark event for classical musicians worldwide. Mann was chosen from a competitive pool of over 500 conductors across the globe.
The UAE Philharmonic Orchestra has recently initiated a cultural crossover programme that involves collaboration with artists from the Tyumen Philharmonic Orchestra in Russia. Players from both orchestras traded conductors and took turns directing a programme featuring each ensemble. Yuri Medyanik conducts a riveting programme at Dubai's Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), featuring piano soloist Oleg Poliansky, and in Russia, Nicolas Mann leads a dynamic concert of Russian masterpieces and the performance of celebrated Emirati composer Ihab Darwish's work, featuring Sofia Viland, laureate of the Tchaikovsky Competition and soloist of the Mariinsky Theater.
Formed in 2006 and relaunched in 2024 by Nicolas Mann, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra has quickly become one of the leading ensembles in the Middle East, providing performances at prestigious venues such as Dubai Opera, Sikka Art & Design Festival, and the Theatre of Digital Art. Under Mann's tenure, the International Rachmaninoff Competition is considered a significant milestone for any classical musician, making his inclusion as a participant especially meaningful.
Emphasising the orchestra's broader role beyond performance, Nicolas Mann stated: "Building diplomatic bridges through music is one of our missions, and historically, the orchestra has always represented the spirit of a nation."
Under Mann, the orchestra is also broadening its community outreach projects and is now looking at mentorship and educational projects for young Emirati musicians.
Nicolas Mann's involvement with the 2025 Rachmaninoff Competition will draw global attention to the artistic aspirations of the UAE. He was born in Spain and proudly represents his home country, Russia.
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