emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, graced the event Nordic Lights: An Evening of Finnish Music, held under his patronage and organized by the Embassy of Finland in the UAE at the Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Development Centre.

During his address at the event, H.H. Sheikh Saud emphasized that appreciating diverse cultures fosters civilizational dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect. He highlighted its role in strengthening relationships, promoting innovation and creativity, and contributing to human and societal progress.

H.H. Sheikh Saud commended the performances of the participating artists, particularly the celebrated Finnish musicians—cellist Jussi Makkonen and pianist Nazig Azezian—who performed alongside the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Riad Kudsi.

The programme featured the UAE premiere of Nordic Adagio, a composition by Tuomas Kantelinen, written specifically for Makkonen and Azezian. This marked their first collaboration with the orchestra.