Crossover pianist and composer Stephan Moccio performs at Abu Dhabi Classics

hat do The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus and Celine Dion all have in common? They’ve all sung hit songs produced by Canadian composer Stephan Moccio.

The crossover classical pianist and pop music virtuoso will be performing for two nights as part of the Abu Dhabi Classics festival this month. “People are drawn to me because of my classical training,” says Moccio. “I have to believe classical music will forever be around – it will just take on a different interpretation as we move forward.”

His first concert, which will be hosted in Al Ain, will see the Grammynominated musician perform works from his solo piano album Exposure on December 12. Two days later on December 14, Moccio will perform some of his pop hits (including Earned It by The Weeknd, Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball and Dion’s A New Day Has Come) with guest musicians at Emirates Palace.

“The public is going to get two experiences, the solo piano and also the pop side of me as well. We’re dividing the concert into two halves,” explains Moccio. “I don’t know if I like one more than the other, they both exist in my mind and in my heart. Oftentimes when I’m writing pop music I want to do instrumental music and when I’m doing instrumental music I want to get back into pop music.” December 12 and 14

Various locations including Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs30 to Dhs750. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabiclassics.ae