Day in the Life: Monica Woodman – in pictures
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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
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