Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Nov 19: Royal Institute of Music & Arts, Abu Dhabi, popularly known as Royal Music, celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 16 at the British School Al Khubairat Auditorium. The celebration consisted of a concert of musical performances by its students in various disciplines of music.
The gala event began with the national anthem of the UAE after a welcome note by the compere Rupert Vaz, who said, “The credit of enjoying music of such high caliber in the UAE goes to the authorities and government which has provided ample facilities and abundant freedom to practice and perform music belonging to various cultures and nationalities.” As a gesture to respect the ‘Year of Tolerance’, the song ‘Make me a channel of your peace’ was then sung by the students of Royal Music as a universal prayer on behalf of all present at the event. The audience belonged to different nationalities, religions, beliefs and cultures.
The guests of honour included the coordinators from Trinity College London, Falguni Mehta and Elshan. Also present at the event were principal of St Joseph’s School, Abu Dhabi, Sr Carmen and many well-known personalities from various industries and business houses.
The concert began with an instrumental rendition of the legendary song ‘Hotel California’ followed by many bands, duet, piano, guitar, and violin ensemble. The song ‘This is Me’ was performed by about 40 students to perfection amid loud applauds. The vocal rendition of the medley of Walt Disney title tracks was sung with absolute perfection by the students amid thunderous applause. The grand finale by the teachers performing the song ‘Thank You for the Music’ was welcome by one and all with standing ovation. All the 200 plus students present rushed to the stage in a flash-mob and joining in singing with their teachers. It was a sight which would not be forgotten for a very long time.
Flavia Sera, the managing director of the institute read out the report of Royal Music about its growth since the inception in 1999. Presently, there are about 400 students obtaining musical training who are trained and prepared for the Examinations conducted by the Trinity College London’s examiners. The faculties include piano, violin, guitar, keyboard, drums and vocals. The institute is affiliated to Trinity College London and ABRSM, London following the structured music education of top international standards. The messages by Trinity London’s manager Tyler Smith and by the former students sent from various parts of the world were displayed on the LED screen at regular intervals.
The students who completed the 8th Grade [the highest grade in the curriculum] were felicitated with a Certificate and Medal. The existing students who obtained distinction with extraordinary marks in ‘Classical’ and ‘Rock & Pop’ were also then honored. The teachers of the institute were honored with certificates and mementos for the hard work and dedication.
Royal Music was established in May 1999 in Abu Dhabi with the motto of imparting good music education to the young and aspiring children in the Abu Dhabi community. The Royal Institute of Music & Arts has today transformed itself into a professional institute which enjoys the reputation of being the leading music institute in Abu Dhabi. The school has for the last 20 years, explored, molded and nurtured thousands of talented students in their quest for music excellence. It is staffed by a well-qualified and dedicated team of certified and professional music teachers each of them backed up by a rich source of teaching experience in their respective disciplines.
Speaking to the audience Flavia Sera said, “It is our ambition to distinguish our institution nationally as one of the premier organizations for the music instruction and coaching to the aspiring young talented children of all ages and levels, from beginning to advanced that will lead them toward a lifetime of joyful music-making. Our motto is to ‘Devote Time, Promote Talent’. Come let us make this world a better place, through our music.”
Royal Institute of Music and Arts is a part of the Broadway Events and Production Group.