The UAE National Orchestra has announced the appointment of Raf Wilson as Director of Artistic Planning, as it prepares to launch its second season and seeks to strengthen its artistic leadership and build on the successes of its inaugural season. Wilson is scheduled to join the orchestra in July 2026, bringing with him more than two decades of professional experience in artistic planning and orchestral leadership. Over the course of his career he has held prominent positions with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Wilson also has extensive experience in developing artistic strategies, fostering international collaboration, and devising ambitious musical programmes in partnership with leading conductors, soloists, and composers in the classical music world.
Wilson's appointment comes after months of communication and joint work with the orchestra's leadership team, united by a shared belief in the artistic vision and creative direction of the UAE National Orchestra. During this period, Wilson developed a deep understanding of the orchestra's mission and future ambitions. With professional experience spanning some of the most prominent orchestral ensembles in North America, Asia, and Australia, he expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the development of a musical institution distinguished by its ability to bring together the UAE's musical heritage, Arabic music, and global influences within an exceptional artistic framework.
Wilson will work alongside Maestro Ahmed Faraj and the National Orchestra's leadership team to develop future artistic programmes, support talent development initiatives, strengthen artistic partnerships, and contribute to shaping the orchestra's long-term artistic direction.
The appointment comes as the National Orchestra approaches the conclusion of its inaugural season later this month, having presented a series of innovative musical experiences across the country that reflect an artistic identity rooted in Emirati heritage and oriented towards the future. The orchestra comprises musicians of more than 30 nationalities, making it a musical platform that brings together Eastern and Western music within a single ensemble, reflecting the United Arab Emirates' cultural diversity, openness, and ambition.
Commenting on the appointment, Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Director General of the UAE National Orchestra, said: "We are delighted to welcome Raf Wilson to the UAE National Orchestra team as we conclude our inaugural season and prepare for the launch of our second. He was chosen for this role because of the extensive experience he has gained from working with some of the world's leading orchestral ensembles, as well as his clear artistic vision and deep appreciation of what the orchestra seeks to build as a national musical institution with its own distinct identity. His unique creative philosophy and considered approach to planning are fully aligned with our future artistic ambitions. We are confident that his collaboration with Ahmed Faraj and the artistic team will help advance the National Orchestra's journey and continue to develop its artistic presence, bringing the Emirati musical voice to wider audiences both within the country and internationally."
Wilson said: "I am excited to take on the responsibility of artistic planning at the UAE National Orchestra at this important stage of its journey. The discussions we have had over the past months have given me a clear picture of the level of ambition and artistic vision driving this remarkable project. One of the aspects that has captured my interest most is the National Orchestra's distinctive artistic character, which brings together Emirati musical heritage, Eastern and Western music, and global orchestral traditions within a single musical experience. I look forward to working with Sheikha Alia and the National Orchestra team to help bring music to all parts of the country and to strengthen the presence and participation of the Emirati voice with audiences both locally and internationally."