A Lebanese Conductor Creating Her Own Place in Music

Some people follow a career path that already exists. Others create a path that inspires people to follow them. For Lebanese conductor Yasmina Sabbah, music has become much more than a profession. It is a way to challenge expectations, bring people together and show what determined women can achieve.

From leading choirs in Lebanon to conducting an international all female orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai, Yasmina has built a career shaped by passion, discipline and courage.

Her journey is especially meaningful because orchestra conducting has traditionally been a male dominated profession. Instead of allowing that reality to limit her ambitions, she chose to develop her abilities and establish her own identity.

Today, her work reflects a powerful combination of artistic excellence, cultural connection and leadership.

Discovering a Passion That Changed Her Career Direction

Yasmina did not originally imagine that orchestra conducting would become her professional calling. Her early musical interests included classical singing, but an opportunity to lead a school choir introduced her to a different side of music.

She discovered the excitement of guiding musicians, interpreting compositions and helping different voices become one harmonious performance.

That experience gradually changed her ambitions.

Determined to strengthen her musical knowledge, Yasmina pursued advanced studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, earning a master’s degree in music with a focus on conducting.

Her education provided technical knowledge, but her growth also depended on practical experience, patience and the willingness to accept demanding responsibilities.

For Yasmina, conducting was becoming more than an artistic interest. It was becoming a personal mission.

Overcoming Stereotypes in a Traditionally Male Dominated Industry

Building a career as a female orchestra conductor in the Middle East came with challenges.

Although women have long contributed to music as performers and educators, opportunities to lead major orchestras have often been less visible.

Yasmina encountered doubts about whether a woman could command an orchestra with confidence and authority.

Rather than responding through arguments alone, she allowed her preparation and performances to demonstrate her abilities.

Her journey carries a message that extends beyond music.

Leadership does not depend on gender. It depends on knowledge, dedication, communication and the ability to inspire others.

Yasmina has spoken publicly about the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.

That determination has helped shape her professional identity and made her an example for aspiring female musicians.

Building the USJ Choir Into a Recognized Musical Ensemble

One of Yasmina’s most meaningful professional achievements has been her leadership of the choir at Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth.

She has directed the USJ Choir since its establishment in 2015, helping develop its artistic identity and reputation.

Under her direction, the choir has explored music beyond traditional classical performances.

Her creative programming has included productions such as Symphonic Rock, Next Stop Broadway and other concerts that connect orchestral and choral music with contemporary audiences.

These performances demonstrate her belief that classical music can remain relevant while welcoming fresh interpretations.

For Yasmina, directing a choir involves more than preparing singers for a concert.

It requires building confidence, encouraging collaboration and helping individuals understand their importance within a larger artistic vision.

The Dubai Opportunity That Brought International Recognition

A defining moment arrived in July 2021 when Yasmina was appointed conductor of the Firdaus Orchestra, an all female musical ensemble created for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Developed under the patronage of Academy Award winning composer A R Rahman, the orchestra brought together talented women from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Its musical identity combined Western classical traditions with Eastern and regional sounds.

Conducting such an ensemble required more than musical expertise.

Yasmina needed to guide musicians with different experiences, understand varied musical traditions and create unity across cultures.

The orchestra performed during Expo 2020 Dubai, including its opening celebrations, and shared the wider programme with internationally recognized artists.

For Yasmina, this opportunity represented both professional achievement and a meaningful statement about women’s leadership in the performing arts.

Yasmina Sabbah Taking Her Musical Vision Beyond Borders

Yasmina’s career has also included appearances with respected orchestras and performances at prominent international venues.

She made her debut with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019 and subsequently worked as a guest conductor.

Her conducting experience has included the Ploiești Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, alongside appearances at major cultural venues and festivals.

Her performances have reached audiences at the Baalbeck International Festival, Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai and other notable stages.

These experiences have strengthened her international presence while allowing her to represent Lebanese musical talent.

Each performance brings different expectations, musicians and audiences.

Through these experiences, Yasmina continues to demonstrate the importance of adaptability, preparation and creative confidence.

The Unforgettable Moment Yasmina Conducted Above Dubai

One of Yasmina’s most remarkable recent achievements came during Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations welcoming 2026.

In a spectacular performance near the Burj Khalifa, she conducted an orchestra while suspended high above the Dubai Fountain.

Wearing a flowing red dress, Yasmina guided the musicians below as the city prepared for its midnight celebrations.

The performance combined music, technology and artistic courage, attracting international attention.

Behind the breathtaking visuals were demanding rehearsals, careful coordination and the confidence to attempt something completely unfamiliar.

The experience demonstrated Yasmina’s willingness to explore new possibilities in live performance.

It also introduced her work to audiences who might never have attended a traditional orchestral concert.

Empowering Young Musicians Through Education and Mentorship

Beyond international performances, Yasmina remains committed to developing future musical talent.

She has taught at the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University and has worked with children’s and youth choirs.

Her educational philosophy emphasizes opportunity, creativity and the personal development that music can encourage.

She has also served as President of Jeunesses Musicales du Liban, supporting the wider mission of making musical experiences accessible to younger generations.

Her contribution shows that meaningful leadership is not measured only through personal recognition.

It is also reflected in the opportunities created for others.

An inspirational message that captures her journey is that true leadership begins when personal achievement becomes an opportunity for others to succeed.

Creating a Future Where Music Has No Boundaries

Yasmina continues to explore creative ways of bringing classical music closer to modern audiences.

Her recent projects have included innovative choral productions, cross cultural performances and the Northern Lights concert in Beirut in July 2026.

Her artistic direction reflects a desire to preserve musical traditions while allowing them to evolve.

Rather than separating classical and contemporary music, she sees opportunities for different styles to complement one another.

Her journey also demonstrates how Lebanese artists can build international careers while remaining connected to their cultural roots.

As she continues leading the USJ Choir and developing new musical experiences, Yasmina represents a generation of artists who view creativity as a responsibility as well as a profession.

A Journey That Inspires Women to Lead With Confidence

Yasmina’s story is ultimately about finding a purpose and having the courage to pursue it.

From discovering conducting through a school choir to leading musicians on international stages, she has continued challenging expectations and expanding her artistic abilities.

Her achievements demonstrate that success rarely comes from talent alone. It also requires preparation, resilience and the confidence to take opportunities that feel unfamiliar.

For aspiring musicians, especially young women hoping to enter leadership roles, her career offers meaningful encouragement.

Yasmina is not simply conducting orchestras. She is helping shape a future where artistic excellence, cultural diversity and female leadership can grow together.

And perhaps the most inspiring part of her story is that her next great performance may still be ahead.

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