Abu Dhabi Classics 2024 Offers Exciting Calendar Of World-Renowned Performances
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the first series of remarkable classical performances set to take place during Abu Dhabi Classics 2024 presented by Abu Dhabi Culture.
With additional performances set to be announced in due course, Abu Dhabi Classics is taking place throughout the year, presenting a selection of leading international artists.
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the programme’s highlight includes world-renowned Dutch violinist and conductor, André Rieu, who will perform at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on 9th March as part of his world tour. Presented by MAC Global, part of Sony Music Entertainment, in association with Abu Dhabi Culture, Andre Rieu will lead his Johann Strauss Orchestra transporting audiences into an enchanted world of classical masterpieces.
The first series of concerts will feature classical performances ranging from chamber music to film scores as well as family-friendly showcases from world-renowned artists for visitors of all ages.
May 16th and 17th will see Abu Dhabi Classics introducing family concerts, starting with ‘Family concert: DuoCalva’ at Manarat Al Saadiyat, where musicians are invited to perform in a family-friendly environment while offering a truly high-quality artistic performance. For two days in a row, DuoCalva, an association of two cellists and former top orchestra musicians, will give a performance that combines classical music and comedy, making the music accessible even for younger generations.
Next, ‘Vikingur Olafsson: Solo Piano Recital’ will take place at Cultural Foundation on 28th May, where Icelandic pianist Vikingur Olafsson, will take the stage for a solo piano recital for the first time in the UAE, performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations, a piece considered as the most splendid and challenging for a pianist to perform.
Fast-forward to September, the ‘Lucerne Festival Quintet with Alexander Malofeev’ will mesmerise audiences on the 18th and 19th at Manarat Al Saadiyat, as the highly acclaimed Russian pianist and composer performs his first concert in the region. Characterised by his technical brilliance, expressive interpretations and deep emotional connection to the music, he will be joined by four musicians of the prestigious Lucerne Festival Orchestra to perform Schubert’s famous trout quintet as well as other pieces from the romantic period.
Finally, on 7th and 8th November, the oldest classical orchestra of South Korea and one of Asia’s leading orchestras, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will have their debut performance in Abu Dhabi. Performing at Emirates Palace with star conductor, Jaap van Zweden, the programme includes Shostakovich’s splendid 5th Symphony in D Minor, and will be joined by star violinist, Sarah Chang, to perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor.
Abu Dhabi Classics is presented by Abu Dhabi Culture and underpins DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to bolster the emirate’s position as a UNESCO-designated ‘City of Music’. This year’s edition features some of the most celebrated artists in the world of classical music, with additional globally acclaimed performances set to be announced.
