Abu Dhabi: Harmony for Humanity, which focuses on widening horizons for humanity, will be the theme for this year's Abu Dhabi Festival of music, art and dance.
The diverse line up includes music, art and dance performances as well as panel discussions by artists from the UAE, the region and from around the world.
The 16-day festival will run from March 19 to April 4 and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (Admaf). It is held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and supported by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach).
"The theme for this edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival is Harmony for Humanity, which reflects the importance of widening horizons for humanity. This was embodied through our pre-festival concert, which was performed by the World Orchestra for Peace with acclaimed conductor Valery Gergiev," said Huda Al Khamis Kanoo, founder of Admaf.
"This year we will also be focusing on highlighting Arabic music, singers, artists and other aspects of our rich culture and heritage," she added.
As with previous editions, Abu Dhabi Festival 2011 will include education and community programmes in addition to its main programme.
These will take place across the UAE and include the highly awaited Young Artist's Day series of workshops by Matthew Barley and his group, Between The Notes. More than 250 schools and 16,000 students participated in the workshops during the 2010 festival.
Live theatre
"This year will also include a series of performances and workshops by artists from our partner country, Belgium. In addition, we have organised a specially commissioned production of Macbeth by the Globe Education at the Shakespeare's Globe Company, at the request of Emirati students who participated in last year's workshops and concerts," Huda said.
"It forms part of the Playing Shakespeare Project alongside Deutche Bank and will offer many young people their first experience of live theatre," she added.
Ticket details
Tickets go on sale from today, through www.timeouttickets.com or through the Abu Dhabi Festival hotline number +971 50 907 6158. Tickets purchased between January 31 and February 14 will avail a 25 per cent early bird discount offer.
February 14 onwards:
- Diamond (stalls) Dh372 Dh495
- Pearl (upper stall/balcony) Dh225/Dh295
Proceeds from the 2011 festival will also be donated to various charities, including the Ewa'a Shelter for Women and Children, who are working to address the impact of human trafficking, and the A Child A Promise Foundation, in support of their work with Palestinian children. For more information visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
