Director Of Music

Philipp Maier is the driving force behind the United Arab Emirates Philharmonic Orchestra. After his move to Dubai in October 2005 he has started the UAEPO to raise awareness for the need of an orchestra in the United Arab Emirates and has performed numerous concerts, festivals and events as a pianist and conductor with the UAEPO - formerly called Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born in 1962 in Augsburg, Germany he started regular concert performances at the age of 14, won several prices and competitions as a pianist and graduated in 1984 as a concert pianist and conductor from the Leopold-Mozart Music high school & Conservatory in Augsburg. During his studies he was appointed assistant choir director for the Augsburg Opera house.

He has performed as a soloist or conductor with ensembles and orchestras all over the world and recorded numerous works both as a pianist and conductor, including Rachmaninoff, Tchaikowsky, Liszt, Grieg, Mozart and Schumann piano concertos, Mendelssohn‘s „Elijah” and many major orchestral works and has worked with many choirs, ranging in numbers from 50 to 800.

Apart from his classical music career Philipp has also worked extensively as a session musician and producer in recording studios throughout Europe, has recorded with numerous rock bands, and has owned and managed his own Recording / Production Studio for 20 years, producing commercial and corporate, TV, Radio, DVD, Cinema music as well as composing and arranging film music. He has produced several CD‘s for individual artists and bands. In 1985 he signed a 3-year recording contract with CBS. Since 1999 he has resided in South Africa, running his own recording & production studio „The Soundfactory”. In 2000 he was appointed to the position of artistic & musical director as well as project manager and resident conductor for the Durban City Orchestra, the oldest orchestra in South Africa.

In 2003 he was featured in the Oprah Winfrey Magazine under „Men of honor” and his production of „Open Your Eyes - a symphonic rock spectacular” was a world first. Featuring his own music performed by a Symphony Orchestra and rock band, the concert has been highly acclaimed globally. He also composed the music for the ICC Cricket world cup opening ceremony in 2003. Maier has worked with International Singers and Musicians from America, England, Germany & South Africa.

In 2008 Philipp was appointed as a member of the international jury of the "World Choir Games" as well as a member of the Olympic Council of the WCG. He worked with the jury and the council during the 2008 World Choir Games in Graz, Austria. Besides his work for the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra Philipp keeps performing as a pianist including solo and chamber music work.

These performance regularly include collaboration with visiting singers and musicians from around the world. Within the UAE Philipp constantly develops local musical talent and is involved on various projects including cross-over work cobining different musical genres.