Bringing together jazz, opera, and classical music, this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival has officially started, and is set to attract crowds from across the region.
Honouring the USA, there will be performances by various American artists including legendary pianist and composer, Herbie Hancock, soprano, Renee Fleming, and others. Both of those events are sold out, but there are plenty of other events to attend over the next two weeks.
Here’s our guide to the biggest events at this year’s festival.
Nya (March 19)
In 2010, nine dancers were selected from 400 candidates to make up the Contemporary Ballet of Algiers (CBA). Making its GCC debut, Nya is a cross-cultural contemporary ballet that marks CBA’s first work. The performance is based on two music pieces that evoke French and Algerian collective memory; Maurice Ravel’s Bolero, and Houria Aichi’s songs from eastern Algeria.
At Abu Dhabi Theatre (Breakwater), Dh150, with free admission for those aged 18 years and under.
Bill Fontana: Acoustical Visions and Desert Soundings (March 21 – April 20)
The exhibition showcases selected works of Fontana, one of the founding fathers of sound art. It also reveals the Abu Dhabi Festival commission, ‘Desert Soundings’, a sound sculpture made for the emirate.
At Emirates Palace, free of charge.
Vladimir Ashkenazy & the European Union Youth Orchestra (March 24)
Enjoy a relaxing evening of classical music with masterpieces by Glinka, Dvorak, and Rachmaninov. The European Union Youth Orchestra unites some of Europe’s most talented young musicians. For its debut in the Arab world, the orchestra will be led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy and joined by French cellist, Gautier Capucon.
At Emirates Palace auditorium, Dh250 (dearl), and Dh350(diamond).
American Ballet Theatre (March 28-29)
The USA’s national ballet company will perform one of the world’s best-known and charming ballets, Coppelia, in which the magical world of Dr Coppelius’ workshop reveals his mechanical toys and imaginative inventions. Accompanied by the Dresden Philharmonic.
At Emirates Palace auditorium, Dh125 (balcony), Dh250 (pearl), Dh350 (diamond).
Earth Hour (March 29)
Encouraging people to turn off the lights for an hour to raise awareness on climate change, Earth Hour is the world’s largest celebration of the planet. Join residents in celebrating Earth Hour with music and drumming at Khalifa Park from 6.30-9.30pm.
Bayt Al Farabi: Michel Fadel (March 31)
Marking the end of the festival, the award-winning Lebanese musician will make his UAE debut in a traditional evening with an electronic twist. Having worked with singing legends such as Fairouz, Majida Al Roumi and Julia Boutros, among others, Fadel is one of the finest pianists in the region. The evening will feature classic Arabic songs, Fairouz favourites, western classics and original compositions.
At Emirates Palace auditorium, Dh125 (balcony), Dh250 (pearl), Dh350 (diamond).
Ashtar Theatre workshops and performances (Varying dates)
The internationally acclaimed Palestinian company delivers a series of theatre-in-education workshops for schools and special needs centres to nurture Arabic language and enhance Arabic literature studies. The performers will tour the UAE by visiting schools and centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
