Discover the exciting performances and cultural experiences featured in the Abu Dhabi Festival’s April lineup
PARTNER CONTENT: Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of global culture, featuring a wide range of performances throughout April.
This iconic festival showcases an impressive lineup of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts from international and local artists.
Attendees can expect world-class performances and exhibitions that highlight Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
With a diverse array of artistic events in the April 2025 lineup, Abu Dhabi Festival offers something for everyone.
From captivating live music performances to thought-provoking theatre and stunning art exhibitions, this festival is a must-see for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Whether you’re visiting Abu Dhabi or a local resident, Abu Dhabi Festival provides an unforgettable experience celebrating the power of creativity.
ABU DHABI FESTIVAL’S APRIL 2025 PERFORMANCES
KODO
Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
8-9 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi
Experience the power and passion of Kodo, the world-renowned Japanese drumming troupe, in their Arab World Premiere at the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE, this electrifying performance marks a significant cultural moment, as Kodo brings their legendary rhythms to the region for the very first time.
Since debuting at the Berliner Festspiele in 1981, Kodo has captivated audiences with over 7,000 performances in more than 50 countries across five continents.
Their name, meaning both “heartbeat” and “children of the drum” in Japanese, reflects the group’s primal connection to rhythm, playing with the pure, uninhibited energy of youth.
With taiko drums that can weigh up to three tonnes, Kodo’s performances transcend language and cultural boundaries, offering a truly immersive experience for all.
YUNCHAN LIM
Piano
11 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University-Abu Dhabi
A prodigy of rare talent, Yunchan Lim makes his Arab World Premiere at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival, bringing his awe-inspiring musicality to the region for the first time.
At just 18 years old, Lim became the youngest gold medallist in history at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022.
Revered by conductor Marin Alsop as “a rare artist who brings profound musicality and prodigious technique together,” Lim’s commitment to his craft is unwavering.
In his own words, Lim has dedicated his life to music, seeking to deepen his art in a way that resonates with his audience.
His prize-winning performance of Liszt’s Transcendental Études continues to create a buzz in the classical music world, and now, for this extraordinary festival, he will perform JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations, one of the gold standards of the piano repertoire.
Don’t miss this unforgettable performance by a truly rising star.
KUNIKO KATO
Marimba
14 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Blue Hall-New York University Abu Dhabi
The Arab World Premiere of Kuniko Kato at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival brings an extraordinary percussionist to the region for the very first time.
A dazzling prodigy, Kato has travelled the world, from Japan to the Netherlands, captivating audiences with her ability to effortlessly perform both traditional and contemporary works.
Highly regarded for her stunning interpretations of composers like Iannis Xenakis, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, and Unsuk Chin, her music is marked by a rare sensitivity, intuition, and musical intelligence.
Her album Kuniko Plays Reich, featuring multi-tracked arrangements of Steve Reich’s 1980s minimalist works, became a global bestseller upon its release in 2011.
With her profound artistry and expressive style, Kato’s performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the festival, showcasing the elegance and technical brilliance that has made her one of the most admired percussionists of her generation.
KATIA AND MARIELLE LABÈQUE
Piano Duo
16 April 2025
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi-7:30pm
The Arab World Premiere of the extraordinary sibling piano duo at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival, presented by Abu Dhabi Festival, promises an evening of musical brilliance and innovation.
Known for their original and daring approach, the duo has performed with major international orchestras and renowned conductors, showcasing works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including compositions by Olivier Messiaen, Pierre Boulez, Thomas Adès, and Nico Muhly.
Their program for the festival is as inventive as ever, with music that explores themes of storytelling and imagination.
At the heart of their performance is a unique relationship with composer Philip Glass, whose works frame the recital with First In La Belle et la Bête, inspired by Jean Cocteau’s iconic film, and another piece drawing from Cocteau’s novel Les Enfants Terribles. In a fitting tribute to fairy tales, the duo also features Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose), a work full of exquisite, whimsical episodes.
This recital promises to be a captivating and deeply engaging experience, blending classical music with visionary storytelling.
Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra Chi-Yong Chung, Conductor
18 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi
An exciting visit by the Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra conducted by Chi-Yong Chung.
The orchestra has made a major contribution to the musical life of Korea since it was founded in 1993, with performances of Korean music along with major works from the Western classical repertory.
International tours have brought enthusiastic new audiences and for the Abu Dhabi Festival they perform a programme of Brahms and Tchaikovsky, preceded by an extract from the ballet Princess Bari by the Korean composer Geon-yong Lee, who studied in Seoul and Frankfurt, and combines traditions in a uniquely powerful and moving fashion.
JESSICA PRATT SOPRANO│JAVIER CAMARENA TENOR
Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra
Toufic Maatouk Conductor
20 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi
Get ready for a spectacular Arab World Premiere as star soprano Jessica Pratt and tenor Javier Camarena join forces for a thrilling opera gala at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival, presented by Abu Dhabi Festival.
With the Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra conducted by Italian-Lebanese Toufic Maatouk, this exceptional evening promises a showcase of their world-renowned talents.
Hailed by the New York Times for her “gleaming sound, free and easy high notes, agile coloratura runs, and lyrical grace,” Jessica Pratt is one of today’s leading interpreters of the Bel Canto repertoire. Javier Camarena, recognized as Male Singer of the Year by the International Opera Awards, is celebrated for his incredible performances in operas by Puccini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Mozart.
Together, they will perform stunning arias and duets from some of opera’s greatest composers, including Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini, Mascagni, Massenet, and Verdi.
AUGUSTIN HADELICH
Violin
21 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Blue Hall-New York University Abu Dhabi
Experience the Arab World Premiere of the extraordinary violinist Augustin Hadelich at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival. Known for his dazzling technique and expressive performances, Hadelich will showcase a stunning program blending both classical and contemporary works, featuring pieces by Bach, Coleridge-Taylor, Ysaÿe, and David Lang.
Born in Italy to German parents and educated in New York, Hadelich’s career skyrocketed after winning the International Violin Competition in Indianapolis. Since then, he has performed across the globe, collaborating with renowned orchestras and offering unforgettable solo recitals. A Grammy Award winner for his recording of Dutilleux’s L’Arbre des Songes, Hadelich has also recorded iconic works by Brahms, Ligeti, Dvořák, and Bach’s Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin. Don’t miss the chance to witness this virtuoso perform in the UAE for the first time.
ALL-STAR BALLET GALA
Mathieu Ganio Étoile of the Opéra National de Paris
Léonore Baulac Étoile of the Opéra National de Paris
Jinhao Zhang Principal Dancer of the Bayerisches Staatsballet
Madison Young Principal Dancer of the Bayerisches Staatsballet
Elisa Badenes Principal Dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet
Martí Paixà Principal Dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet
Emma Hawes Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet
Aitor Arrieta Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet
22 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Festival presents a mesmerizing Arab World Premiere ballet gala featuring the world’s most celebrated dancers.
With stars from prestigious ballet companies such as the Royal Ballet, Bayerisches Staatsballett, and Stuttgart Ballet, these exceptional artists will captivate the audience with their incredible artistry and technical brilliance.
The programme offers a stunning blend of iconic classical works and contemporary masterpieces.
Highlights include Jinhao Zhang and Madison Young from Bayerisches Staatsballett (both Prix de Lausanne winners), Martí Paixà and Elisa Badenes from Stuttgart Ballet (Youth America Grand Prix), and the Royal Ballet’s Ryoichi Hirano (Prix de Lausanne) and Melissa Hamilton (Youth America Grand Prix).
Don’t miss this star-studded evening of world-class ballet, a truly unforgettable night!
Unique Encounters with Rising Stars
26 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Red Theater-New York University Abu Dhabi
Arab World Premiere performance at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival brings together an extraordinary lineup of international talent, led by renowned violinist Yamen Saadi.
Returning to the festival, Saadi will perform alongside exceptional musicians: violist Sara Ferrández, and cellists Kian Soltani and Pablo Ferrández. Each of these remarkable artists brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the stage.
Born in Nazareth, Saadi’s career took off at 11 when he joined the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, and by 25, he was leading the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic. Ferrández, a member of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, has performed with prestigious ensembles like the Berlin Philharmonic’s Karajan Academy and Anne-Sophie Mutter’s Virtuosi. Soltani, recognized globally after winning the Helsinki International Cello Competition, recently earned the Innovative Listening Experience Award for his album Cello Unlimited. Ferrández, praised for his technique and expressive power, received the Opus Klassik Award for his album Reflections.
This exceptional ensemble promises a truly unforgettable performance.
RILEY MULHERKAR
Trumpet
29 April 2025, 7.30pm
The Black Box-New York University- Abu Dhabi
Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival, the Arab World Premiere of Riley Mulherkar, the talented trumpeter and founding member of The Westerlies, is set to bring an exciting mix of jazz, modern classical, and folk to the stage.
Known for his dynamic sound, Riley has been hailed as “über hip, modern yet timeless” and has garnered significant recognition for his work as a bandleader, composer, and arranger.
Awarded Lincoln Center’s Emerging Artist Award in 2020, Riley Mulherkar is not only celebrated for his artistry but also for his role as a community activist and advocate for jazz and the arts.
This performance promises to showcase his unique blend of styles, delivering a fresh and compelling sound that is sure to captivate audiences.
For tickets, visit Abu Dhabi Festival
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