Business & Money | Saturday 21 March, 2015 1:11 am |

APPEARING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Imagine a learning experience more powerful than words; so requests ‘The Silent Conductor’, also known as Steve Barnett, who, armed with only a baton and without saying a word, inspires audiences of up to 30,000 non-musicians to play music together. Facilitating his first performance in the Middle East, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is offering guests a unique opportunity to experience The Silent Conductor in action, as part of an exclusive event on Monday March 30, 2015.

Described as having an ‘exceptional gift’ by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Steve has developed a unique non-verbal, dramatic illustration of leadership, cooperation and teamwork, known as ‘Orchestrating Success’. Without any rehearsal, each member of the audience plays a simple percussion instrument conducted by Steve, using only facial expressions, charisma and body language as his tools of communication. The audience becomes an integral part of an interactive, musical encounter that crosses all barriers of language and culture, encouraging each member to play together via the power of collaboration.

The Silent Conductor, Steve Barnett, explains what guests will experience at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC: “Central to my philosophy is the notion that actions speak louder than words, so through various forms of non-verbal communication I will inspire the audience of over 300 guests to sculpt a symphony and perform as one unified orchestra, illustrating the power of team unity.”

Steve Barnett was born and raised in South Africa where he was infused with the country’s unique rhythm, and he believes that the pulse and energy of his homeland are a special gift to share with the world. He has conducted and animated audiences in over 50 countries across six continents with hundreds of thousands of ‘performers’ over the past 18 years, in venues ranging from Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall in London, to bush lodges in Africa, but has never before performed in the Middle East.

Lothar Quarz, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, anticipates the musical event will be a memorable experience for guests of the luxury Dubai hotel: “We are constantly looking for unique and engaging experiences to offer our guests, and The Silent Conductor is a new addition to our offering for group and meetings guests, or those simply looking for a new inspiring approach to teamwork, leadership and learning, all of which are also central to The Ritz-Carlton’s own philosophy.”

The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC will open the event to its guests and corporate clients, and a limited number of spaces are also available for the general public. Following the event, The Silent Conductor will be available for bookings at the luxury hotel, which offers comprehensive meetings and event facilities, including 10 meeting rooms, as well as a 1,400 sq. meter ballroom, and two terraces for outdoor meetings, parties and events.

For enquiries, please call The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC on 04 372 2602 or email difcevents@ritzcarlton.com. To see The Silent Conductor in action, click here.

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About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).