Abu Dhabi: The Duke Ellington Big Band will hold student workshops in Abu Dhabi next week.

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (Admaf) announced it is bringing one of America's most celebrated jazz bands to hold workshops which will help build bridges between cultures, and inspire the future generation of UAE musicians with two performances.

Admaf is bringing the band to Abu Dhabi as part of its continued efforts to promote cross-cultural artistic exchange, and support the development of all creative expression in the emirate. The band will host two workshops at the UAE University in Al Ain and the American Community School in Abu Dhabi on May 23 and 25.

These will be followed by two concerts on the same days for students and invited guests.

The workshops and performances at the UAE University are part of the Seminars in Mastering the Arts (Smart) programme, an educational initiative supported by Admaf which uses the arts as a tool and catalyst for learning.

This initiative is designed to enhance the academic and cultural standing of the institution.