Abu Dhabi Classics to present world music masterpieces

Abu Dhabi: In its quest to become a leading cultural hub in the world, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday launched its new project, 'Abu Dhabi Classics', with plans to host world music masterpieces and educate audience and schoolchildren about music.

For the opening season, Abu Dhabi Classics, which will take place annually from October to May, will feature the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra under Christian Thielemann, as well as some of the festival's leading singers to present excerpts from Wagner's Ring; the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; conductors Zubin Mehta and Lorin Maazel; and soloists Cecilia Bartoli, Marcelo Alvarez, Lang Lang, Arcadi Volodos, Bobby McFerrin, Mischa Maisky and Till Bronner, according to officials of the Abu Dhabi Authroity for Culture and Heritage.

"The project will contribute to the ambitious cultural plans of Abu Dhabi, which include, among other elements, a performing arts centre with opera house, concert halls, theatres, museums and exhibition pavilions," said Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazrouei, director general of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

He said the concerts of Abu Dhabi Classics will be integrated into the educational programme of schools in the emirate.

The project is meant to assure the world that this region can be a platform for enhancing the course of culture and human civilisation, like what Andalusia was able to do before, through blending Arab civilisation and its dialogue with its Western counterparts, Al Mazrouei said.

Till Janczukowicz, executive and artistic director, Abu Dhabi Classics, said the project will get under way in a number of indoor and outdoor venues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and will present concerts on the highest artistic level, as well as an array of major educational activities in schools and universities.

Tickets for the concerts will be priced at Dh25 for schoolchildren. The price for adults is yet to be decided. Advance sales in the UAE begin on August 1. Tickets will be available at www.timeouttickets.com