Abu Dhabi music season to promote Emirati traditions
abu dhabi — A new season of classical and traditional music featuring world-class performers and orchestra from around the world is returning to Abu Dhabi this autumn.
From October till May 2017, the Abu Dhabi Classics, the Emirati Music series, Bait Al Oud concert series and Umsiyat, all organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), will be held at different venues across the emirate.
“We are immensely proud of our rich musical heritage and this is reflected in our new music programme designed to promote traditional Emirati music, blending it with unforgettable performances from stand-out musicians and orchestra, which have reached global audiences,” said Saif Saeed Ghobash, director-general of TCA.
Returning for a third consecutive year, Abu Dhabi Classics launches on October 6 with a performance by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of world-renowned conductor Sir Richard Armstrong, at Emirates Palace auditorium, with a Richard Wagner Gala Night. Tenor Simon O’Neill will join the orchestra, which performs for the first time in the UAE.
Highlights of the eight-month long season include the return to Abu Dhabi of award-winning Catalan composer Jordi Savall, accompanied by his ensemble of Arabic and Western musicians Hesperion XXI, with his interpretations of famed traveller Ibn Battuta’s journey from India to China in the 14th Century.
In 2014, the Grammy-winner performed the widely acclaimed world premiere of Ibn Battuta: Voyager of Islam in the capital, which due to its success was repeated last year. The new performance depicts the continuation of Ibn Battuta’s epic journey.
A concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, currently regarded as the best and most prestigious in the world; the Symphony Orchestra of India; and a special night with the Grammy and Academy Award nominated composer and pianist, Stephan Moccio are highlights of the programme.
Following the theme of 1001 Nights, Abu Dhabi Classics this season will cover most of the musical pieces inspired by the Arabian Nights, but also through works like Mozart’s Don Giovanni or some of Wagner’s great operas. It will look at the different ways folk tales and the famous ‘story within a story’ technique have been integrated in musical dramas.
In January next year, Umsiyat also returns with another festival of world music in Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park (Mushrif Park), while the Emirati Music series will include traditional Ayalah performances on Abu Dhabi Corniche and oud and voice concerts in different locations throughout the emirate.
Oud and qanun graduates of Bait Al Oud traditional Arabic musical school will also held regular performances over the season. For a full calendar of events see www.abudhabiclassics.ae.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com