Monica Woodman is the conductor of the all-female Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
Ms Woodman, 35, from Cuba, leads a 54-strong band of musicians in interpreting the work of famous composers. Photo: Expo City Dubai
The multilingual, multinational ensemble made its debut during Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo City Dubai
In her role, Ms Woodman has worked alongside some of the world's biggest celebrities, including Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, in her aim to make classical music accessible to everyone. Photo: Expo City Dubai
At least four hours of every day is dedicated to practising in the Expo City studio, gearing up for performances. Photo: Expo City Dubai
In the evenings, Ms Woodman records with the orchestra. Photo: Expo City Dubai
Ms Woodman wants the orchestra to show the world that you can be a professional musician in Dubai as a woman, no matter what part of the world you are from. Photo: Expo City Dubai
Solange Meridian, American-Argentinian opera singer, rehearses with the Firdaus Orchestra. Photo: Firdaus Orchestra
The orchestra performs its Firdaus Holiday Experience, a live online broadcast that features a collection of ballads, classical and operatic pieces. Photo: Firdaus Orchestra
The Firdaus Orchestra perform on the Jubilee Stage at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Pianist Lydian Nadhaswaram performs with the orchestra on the Jubilee Stage at Expo 2020. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The orchestra is mentored by A R Rahman, India’s Oscar-winning composer. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
