Music lovers rejoice: the Jazz at St Regis festival is about to begin.
The concert series, organised in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) Doha, and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), brings world-class musicians to the capital – to thrill jazz aficionados and inspire those new to the genre.
As part of the programme, eleven artists will come together for one night of incredible music at the Journeys with Jazz Gala on 17th October.
Among the gala’s top musicians is trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, host for the evening and a Global Ambassador for JALC.
Farinacci told Abu Dhabi Week: “From this festival you can expect a lot of jazz, a lot of blues, a lot of reimagining popular songs that most people will know. String players, tango music, Arabic music – all different kinds of elements coming together. There is something in it for everyone.”
Farinacci started playing trumpet almost by chance. He wanted to be a drummer, until a record of Louis Armstrong inspired him to take things to the next level.
The gifted musician, who has been touring the world since he was 17, is also a strong advocate of the importance of music in healthcare. His personal experience with his mother’s illness shaped his vision as an artist.
“I remember how important it was for her to have music in her life and that was one of the few times it got her mind, and all of our minds, off the worries,” he said.
Earlier this year, Farinacci brought this passion to the capital, collaborating with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and ADMAF for their first Arts for Health Concert Series.
“I really love that, even if just for a moment, we are able to bring a smile to someone’s face. It really strengthens our mission as artists and deepens our values in music.”
Farinacci is now based in the region and is strongly inspired by Arabic music.
“I love studying and learning about Arabic rhythms,” he said. “I noticed that we play very differently in Abu Dhabi than we do elsewhere, and I think it has to do with not
only the kind of musicians, but also the kind of audiences and the feel of the city. Personally I really love it here.”
Funds from the Journeys with Jazz Gala will go towards Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Road to Awareness campaign, which helps impoverished children.
For more information about Jazz at St Regis visit: www.stregisabudhabi.com/en/jazz
