The 21st Abu Dhabi Festival is all set to keep Abu Dhabi stimulated this winter, check out the entire line-up
Celebrating two decades now, the 21st Abu Dhabi Festival is all set to have the UAE capital celebrating creativity, music and the nation’s youth.
From open-air markets to concerts, musicals and even ballet performances, there’s a lot to look forward to on this year’s line-up. Take your pick from the highlights below and get booking!
AL-ANDALUS & THE ANCIENT HESPERIA
11 December, 7.30pm to 9:00 pm
The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
With Grammy-award-winning Catalan-Spanish conductor and musician, Jordi Savall at the helm, this vivid performance will feature the finest music of the Spanish Golden Age.
Adding to the magic of the music are his vocal ensembles La Capella Reial De Catalunya and Hespèrion XXI, culminating in an exquisitely crafted programme spanning 500 years of Arabic cultural and historic roots in Andalusia.
Chinese New Year – The National Ballet of China
26 January 2024, from 8pm; 27 January 2024 from 4.30pm
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Featuring both an evening on the first night and a matinee on the second, this latest take on the classic ballet The Nutcracker by Pyotr Tchaikovsky is the best way to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Set in Beijing, the recreation is inspired by locations in Chinese mythology, such as the Kingdom of the Crane and the Porcelain Kingdom. Amid the lush backdrop is the story of a young woman’s journey into a fantasy land while on a quest for love. Don’t miss out
Puccini Opera Gala
31 January 2024, from 8pm
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Here’s your chance to witness some of Giacomo Puccini’s greatest works by an ensemble dedicated to the Italian composer.
Under the baton of conductor Jan Latham-Koenig, the Orchestra of the Puccini Festival will mark the century since Puccini’s death with some of his greatest pieces from operas such as Madama Butterfly and Turandot sung by soprano Valeria Sepe and tenor Francesco Meli. The night is sure to leave you with goosebumps.
Pablo Ferrandez
1 February 2024, from 7.30pm
The Blue Hall, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
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Hailed by several as the ‘new cello genius’, Spain’s Pablo Ferrandez will perform songs from his debut album Reflections.
As well as winning the prestigious Opus Klassik Award, the album features star guests including German violinist and former Abu Dhabi Festival performer Anne-Sophie Mutter, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and American pianist Lambert Orkis. The cello maestro will be accompanied by Spanish pianist Luis Del Valle.
Kamasi Washington
3 February 2024, from 8pm
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The American saxophonist and bandleader is part of a new legion of artists expanding jazz parameters by melding elements of hip-hop, electronic and soul music.
An electrifying performer, Washington has performed in venues ranging from hallowed jazz clubs such as New York’s Blue Note to rock festivals such as Coachella in the US and Spain’s Primavera.
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Leia Zhu
9 February 2024, from 7.30pm
The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi
Having previously performed at The Arts Centre at NYUAD, the British-Chinese violin prodigy returns for the 21st Abu Dhabi Festival.
For this show, she is scheduled to perform a recital as part of a five-day residency programme. In addition to guiding a select group of 30 students, the residency ends with participants joining Zhu, 17, for a special concert at the school auditorium. We can’t wait!
Yamen Saadi
13 February 2024, from 7.30pm
The Red Theatre, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
Arriving in Abu Dhabi on the back of his new recital album Voices from Paris, Yamen Saadi is a favourite among lovers of classical and beyond.
Appointed concertmaster at the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic, the Nazareth-born violinist is hailed as a prodigy and has played across Europe and Asia. You don’t want to miss this experience!
Festival in the Park
16 February, 9am to 9pm
Umm Al Emarat Park
Experience a two-day celebration of creativity with performances, art, music, and workshops by local and international talents. This diverse and inclusive event is perfect for all ages (making it a great family day out!).
Featuring performances, shows, art workshops, dance workshops, drumming sessions, storytelling. Several workshops will highlight art and culture from China, as the country of honour for the Abu Dhabi Festival 2024. Festival in the Park offers a perfect day out for families, and the entire programme is free of charge once you enter the park.
Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy
14 March, 9.30pm to 11.30pm
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The ‘Sheikh of Egyptian chanters’, renowned Inshad master, Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy is known for his ability to mix chanting in classical Arabic with multiple musical cultures while preserving its originality and distinctive traditional character.
He returns to the Festival with the soulful presentation of The Carpenter’s Daughters, which comprises several famous poems in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, and the Maghreb. The evening will also feature a beautiful performance by Aneen Al Asheq.
China National Symphony Orchestra
8 December 2024, from 8pm
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Concluding the brilliant symphony that is the Abu Dhabi Festival 2024 is the Middle Eastern debut of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
Founded in 1966, it is the country’s premier classical music institution. It has performed throughout China, Spain, Malaysia and Hong Kong. So guests are in for a treat with a programme of Western classical music and works by Chinese composers.
For more information and tickets, visit abudhabifestival.ae
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