Dubai Autism and Al Noor Centres to benefit from inaugural performances of The English concert hosted by DIFC

Members of The English Concert will also visit the charities to meet with children and introduce them to their authentic instruments, some of which are more than 100 years old.

The English Concert performance in Dubai, set for Wednesday, 30th January, is held under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and is hosted by HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Chairman of The Board of the Dubai Hosting Committee of The English Concert Tour.

"In addition to serving UAE's initiatives to expand its cultural landscape, The English Concert's visit is also aimed at cultivating and nurturing the country's younger generation by raising levels of their understanding and appreciation of the depth of Western classical music" commented HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman.

"Chamber music by its nature is meant for a more intimate setting. We appreciate the acceptance of the members of The English Concert to share their art and world renowned mastery in performing Baroque music with a wider audience in Dubai. We are also grateful to the institutional sponsors of The English Concert who made this tour possible", he continued.

"Historically, chamber orchestras were created and supported through the system of patronage and HSBC continues that tradition by supporting The English Concert's inaugural series in the UAE. HSBC has established itself as a leading sponsor of Arts and Culture around the globe. As the world's local bank, HSBC Bank Middle East takes its commitment to cultural and charitable initiatives in the UAE very seriously," said Mr. Youssef Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited.

"Cultural and educational outreach to the communities in which they operate is considered to be 'Best Practice' and 'Win-Win' for leading corporations. The supporters of The English Concert are delighted to make a contribution to enriching the lives of the residents of this wonderful city which is renowned for its tradition of caring for the Citizen. I believe that the charitable aspect of the tour gives even further satisfaction to all of us who have in some way contributed to the success of this initiative", said Dr. Farhad Farjam, Chairman of Peacock Properties, the UK based developer with a significant presence in the Dubai market.

HSBC and Peacock Properties have acted as Principal Sponsors and Organisers of The English Concert tour. Balli Group plc, Clifford Chance, Emirates Airlines, Farbro Group and Ernst & Young are the other major sponsors of the performances.

Funds donated to charity will contribute to the new facility of the Dubai Autism Centre and will assist Al Noor Centre with their efforts to support more than 300 children integrate into mainstream society and assist a further 180 students with special educational needs.