Elham Al Marzooqi
Elham Al Marzooqi is the UAEs first professional female Emirati cellist, recognized for her groundbreaking role in shaping the nations classical music landscape. Beginning her training at the age of five, she has gone on to perform with leading ensembles such as the Beethoven Academy Orchestra and has shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
A tutti cellist with the all-female Firdaus Orchestra, Al Marzooqi has collaborated with renowned artists including Anoushka Shankar, Stewart Copeland, A.R. Rahman, and Beyoncé. Her performances span genres and traditions, reflecting both technical mastery and artistic versatility.
Al Marzooqi is the recipient of the Filmfare Middle East Excellence in Music Award as well as the UAE Ministry of Cultures National Grant for Culture and Creativity. She regularly appears with the Abu Dhabi Festival and, in a career highlight, recently performed as a special guest with jazz legend Herbie Hancock at the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert. Through her artistry and pioneering achievements, she continues to inspire audiences and expand opportunities for women in music across the region.
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Recoginition And Awards
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2024 Filmfare Middle East "Excellence in Music" award.
Filmfare Middle East "Excellence in Music" Award (2024) Elham Al Marzooqi received the prestigious "Excellence in Music" award at Filmfare Middle East's Most Influential Women 2024 event. This accolade honors women who have made outstanding contributions in their fields—recognizing Elham's role as a pioneering Emirati cellist and her exceptional influence in classical music. Her public celebration of the win underscores how meaningful this achievement is to her and to the UAE's cultural landscape
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2023 UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth's National Grant for Culture and Creativity.
UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth's National Grant for Culture and Creativity (2023) Earlier, in 2023, she was awarded a National Grant for Culture and Creativity from the UAE's Ministry of Culture and Youth. This grant supports Emirati artists in developing creative projects by providing financial backing—for things like original productions, professional development, promotion, or international opportunities. Through this support, Elham was able to perform with renowned ensembles like the Beethoven Academy Orchestra in Poland, underlining the grant's impact in enhancing her artistic reach.
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