Dubai National Theatre hosts choral singing workshop

Dubai National Theatre, supported by the Ministry of Culture, organised a choral singing workshop bringing together music enthusiasts, choir members and aspiring vocalists seeking to develop their performance skills. Yasser Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai National Theatre, said: “We are proud to organise this specialised choral singing workshop as part of our ongoing efforts to nurture artistic talent and expand the horizons of performing arts in the UAE.

This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering individuals through structured artistic training and meaningful cultural engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture for its continued support, and we highly value the contribution of Gillian Rhodes, an international performing artist and creative director, whose diverse global experience has enriched the workshop and provided participants with a high-quality and culturally engaging training experience.”

Led by Gillian Rhodes, American performing artist, choreographer and creative director who has performed in more than 20 cities across nearly 10 countries, the workshop provided a structured training platform focused on choral music as an art form grounded in vocal harmony, precision and collective performance. It introduced participants to the fundamentals of choral singing, emphasising unity of voices, balance across vocal ranges and the importance of collective rhythm. Participants were trained in voice distribution, pitch control and active listening, to ensure cohesive performance.

Rhodes stressed that successful choral singing relies on attentive listening and the ability to integrate within a vocal ensemble, while maintaining individual vocal identity. Breathing techniques formed a key component of the training, with participants learning how to use and refine their vocal apparatus to support sound control, sustain musical phrases and maintain stability throughout group performance. Guidance was also provided on managing breath timing and distribution to enhance vocal balance, continuity and fluidity. The workshop included practical exercises focusing on chest voice, falsetto and head voice, with emphasis on their balanced use within a choral setting to enhance tonal richness and depth.

Participants also practised musical phrasing and managing dynamic variations, contributing to improved synchronisation and overall ensemble quality. Beyond technique, the workshop highlighted the expressive dimension of choral singing, encouraging participants to interpret lyrics, connect with musical phrasing and apply precise timing and pauses to deliver a cohesive and emotionally resonant performance. Participants engaged in live performance exercises too, designed to strengthen group coordination, alongside physical and vocal training linking body movement with musical rhythm.

Rhodes provided direct feedback, correcting techniques and guiding participants in an interactive learning environment that reflected the collaborative nature of choral performance. She said the workshop marked her first experience delivering an Arabic choral programme in Dubai, describing it as a culturally enriching initiative that brought together Emirati participants and Arab residents. She noted that choral singing provides a unique platform for collective learning and cross-cultural exchange, contributing to the development of participants’ skills and a deeper understanding of music.

She added that the initiative represents a step towards establishing a sustainable training programme in collaboration with Dubai National Theatre, which will also expand the presence of choral music in the region. Rhodes concluded by highlighting the importance of such workshops in fostering cultural dialogue, supporting musical collaboration and developing vocal talent in line with contemporary professional standards, while contributing to the continued growth of the UAE’s cultural and musical landscape.

Rhodes works at the intersection of movement, performance, and storytelling. Classically trained from childhood in ballet, she spent her teenage years learning circus and aerial silks, then majored in dance at Columbia University. She has been an actor, model, dancer, choreographer, creative director, teacher, and much more. Based now in Dubai, she also writes fiction and non-fiction, and speaks five languages. Dubai National Theatre serves as a key venue for performing arts, hosting workshops, cultural events, and productions in collaboration with Dubai Culture. It focuses on fostering local talent, with 2026 plans emphasising youth workshops, training, and community-led creativity. Located in Dubai, its purpose is to nurture UAE talent through workshops on scenography, lighting, and sound. It hosts performances and collaborates on cultural initiatives to develop the performing arts scene.