Abu Dhabi’s annual music and arts festival is hitting all the right notes, after recently announcing the first two headline acts for next year’s edition.
The 12th instalment of Abu Dhabi Festival, which is hosted by Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), will welcome one of the world’s most successful musicians, Sérgio Mendes and world-renowned conductor, Riccardo Muti.
Multi award-winning Brazilian jazz legend Mendes, whose career spans five decades, will serenade audiences with his eclectic fusion of soul, funk, jazz and pop in his Gulf debut. The internationally renowned musician, and former member of Brazil ’66, is best known for hits including ‘Scarborough Fair’ and ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’.
Grammy award-winning conductor, Muti, has led some of the world’s leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and Orchestre National de France. Reflecting Abu Dhabi Festival’s commitment to nurture young talent, Muti supports young musicians through the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra. The group, which was founded in 2004, is made up of young Italian musicians under the age of 30. Solo violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, another firm supporter of young musicians, will join Muti and the orchestra for their festival performance.
HE Hoda I Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF, said: “We are truly delighted to be welcoming these stunning artists as we further celebrate Abu Dhabi Festival’s pivotal role in nurturing cultural exchange and artistic innovation. By bringing the world to Abu Dhabi, we believe it is important to go beyond mere entertainment and demonstrate the transformative power of music, while reflecting the Festival’s core values of mutual respect and tolerance.”
Tickets for the 12th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival will be available soon. For more information visit: www.abudhabifestival.ae
