Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Marian Nelson – The Music Maven

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Marian Nelson – The Music Maven

Marian Nelson made her stage debut in Dubai as the Dew Fairy in an international production of Hansel and Gretel alongside principals from the UK, USA, and Canadian opera companies. For this same production Marian was also the chorus director.   Dubbed “Renata Tebaldi of the Philippines” she has achieved significant milestones in her chosen areas of performance and education.

In performance she has appeared in recitals, concert and operatic engagements across the Philippines, UAE and Australia. Highlights include solo appearances with the Dubai Singers, Art Song Perth, and Vivaldi’s Gloria with the Dubai Chamber Orchestra and Choir.  Marian has sung with the Madrigal Singers and the UP Concert Chorus.  Other concert performances include Mimi/Musetta (La Bohème), Micaela (Carmen), and Pamina (The Magic Flute).

Having won the National Music Competition for Young Artists award for solo voice category inspired her to concentrate her tertiary studies in the field of music.

Here in the UAE, she also founded the Jumeirah Music Centre (JMC) in 2004 with children in mind she crafted her own music and movement program to create a progressive curriculum to develop young musicians.  Starting with just a handful of teachers and students, JMC now has 20 teachers and over 400 students, and a subsidiary in Perth, Australia where Marian currently spends most of her time. Now in its 11^th year, JMC remains one of the most prominent music teaching-service providers in Dubai.

As a busy teacher, performer and an entrepreneur, Marian is thankful that she has not lost sight of what most important in life. “With so many years in the business, I have learned that a great career and a great family must balance,” she says. “It feels more triumphant to have a successful career if there is a family to celebrate it with.”