Italian band Ars Nova Napoli brings Mediterranean magic to Abu Dhabi

Ars Nova Napoli at Cultural Foundation’s outdoor amphitheatre this December

The beloved Neapolitan band delivers an outdoor concert full of tradition and rhythm

 

PARTNER CONTENT: Under the open winter sky at Cultural Foundation’s Outdoor Amphitheatre, Ars Nova Napoli brings the soul of southern Italy to Abu Dhabi for an exciting performance on Friday 12 December 2025 at 7 pm.

Expect a vibrant fusion of tradition and modern Nu Folk as the beloved Neapolitan band delivers an evening of rhythm, passion, and unforgettable Mediterranean energy.

Ars Nova Napoli stands among Nu Folk’s most adored Neapolitan bands, celebrated for their electrifying stage presence and emotionally charged performances.

The group brings a fresh voice to the music of southern Italy, reimagining traditional songs while weaving in their own unpublished compositions to create a sound that feels both rooted in heritage and thrillingly modern.

Their music travels across the Mediterranean, blending rich regional melodies with intricate harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and an unmistakable party groove.

The result is a live experience that is joyful, immersive, and impossible to resist, one that invites audiences not just to listen, but to feel every rhythm.

The band’s story is as compelling as their music. What began as street performances in the heart of Naples has, over sixteen years, grown into an international career that has taken them to Lincoln Center and major festivals across five continents.

Today, they are recognised as one of Italy’s most exciting contemporary folk bands, with this performance powered by Sennheiser for an exceptional live sound experience.

Expect southern Italian folk as you’ve never heard it before. Mandolins, accordions, frame drums, and double basses reinterpret centuries-old melodies with bold energy and modern flair.

After years of learning songs directly from communities across Apulia, Sicily, and Calabria, Ars Nova Napoli has reintroduced these traditions to the Nu Folk scene through their own distinctive lens.

For this special show, they will also perform rare Mediterranean pieces and original compositions you won’t hear anywhere else.

Set against the gentle warmth of December, guests are invited to enjoy the concert beneath the open skies, then explore the food and beverage pop-ups at Cultural Foundation for a complete evening of culture and flavour.

The performance is presented in partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, bringing a taste of southern Italy to the heart of the capital.

AED 75, Friday, 12 December, Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit culturalfoundation.ae

 

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Image credit Cultural Foundation

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