At just 18 years old, Noora Nujum Niyaz has already made a distinctive mark in the realms of music, literature, and performance. Born and raised in the UAE with Indian heritage, Noora’s artistic journey is a harmonious blend of two vibrant cultures that have profoundly shaped her creativity.
Growing up in the UAE, a cultural melting pot, Noora was surrounded by a rich environment that nurtured her artistic aspirations. In an interview with City Times, she expressed her gratitude for being raised in such a culturally rich place, where she felt a deep connection to the country’s traditions and values. At the same time, her Indian roots remained a vital part of her identity, particularly through her six years of classical Indian music training and her education in Indian schools. “This fusion of cultures has greatly influenced my artistic path,” Noora shared. “Studying classical Indian music, in particular, has been a significant part of my creative journey.”
Noora’s passion for opera began in 2021 as Covid-19 restrictions eased, when she was introduced to the genre and encouraged to delve deeper. A pivotal moment came when she attended a three-week intensive course in Italy, led by Maestro Giovanni Reggioli, specializing in the Belcanto style. “I also had the opportunity to perform in the opera Suor Angelica, which was a transformative experience,” she recalls. “These opportunities were crucial in fostering my love for opera and classical music.”
What sets Noora apart is her ability to perform in multiple languages with both precision and emotion. “When learning a song in a new language, I begin by dissecting each word, understanding its meaning, and appreciating its significance within the song,” she explains. “Once I grasp the context, I focus on perfecting the pronunciation and nuances of the language as it’s sung, followed by working on the melody and any ornamentation to bring the piece to life.”
Having performed on iconic stages, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Expo 2020, Noora’s meticulous approach allows her to breathe life into the stories behind each piece, making her performances resonate with diverse audiences. One performance that stands out is her portrayal of Christine from The Phantom of the Opera at Expo 2020’s grand dome. “The energy and scale of that performance left a lasting impression on me,” she says. Winning the Abu Dhabi Young Musician Award was another defining moment, she adds, “The entire experience helped me grow as an artist, whether it was through refining my repertoire, learning about stage presence, or deepening my appreciation for this art form.”
In addition to her musical pursuits, Noora is a published author. Her poetry books, The Treasures of School Days and A Vivid Memory, explore her unique perspective on life, art, and the nuances of human experience. “I believe that words have the power to open new doors of understanding, and music provides the path to explore them,” she says. “Together, they create a harmony that I find deeply fulfilling, and I’m grateful to share this with those who are open to listening.”
Balancing her roles as a musician and author requires careful time management, and Noora’s success is supported by a strong network. Her family plays a crucial role, with her mother guiding her music, her father encouraging her writing, and her sister helping her navigate student life. INDEX Media has also been instrumental in managing her professional commitments, allowing her to focus on her craft. “Their dedicated team took over these responsibilities, enabling me to channel my energy entirely into my art,” she said, also acknowledging the support of her peers and professors at the Musical Theatre Department at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.
As Noora looks ahead to 2025, she is full of plans. From releasing new covers and original music to crafting her third book, her creative journey shows no signs of slowing down. “I look forward to sharing new artistic endeavors and growing both as an artist and a creator,” she says with enthusiasm.
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