Even though the Abu Dhabi Festival officially runs from 2nd to 31st March, the run up to the festival is already proving to be a big draw with music lovers here in the capital. Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela will kickstart the festivities with a pre-festival event on 27th January.
Hosted at the Emirates Palace, the concert will showcase the UAE Premiere of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, the orchestra of over 150 musicians will perform Tchaikovsky’s The Tempest Symphonic Fantasia and the Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No.5.
Venezuela-born Dudamel is one of the most decorated conductors of his generation. Born in 1981, the young conductor was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2009, and has brought his passion and vision of classical music onto the world stage.
The eleventh edition of the festival will bring world-class performers and artists to Abu Dhabi once again, in a global celebration of culture. Under this year’s theme of ‘Creative Innovation’ the performances, exhibitions and special initiatives will have audiences explore the relationship between the arts and technology.
“We’re delighted to respond to popular demand and extend the period of the festival experience this year. Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela share some of the core values that we at the Abu Dhabi Festival stand for. With their unique style and charismatic energy they’re broadening the accessibility of classical music to audiences around the world,” said HE Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation.
“Furthermore, beyond entertainment value, they see the importance of music and artistic expression in helping shape a healthy society. I hope everyone in the UAE will enjoy this wonderful performance on the 27th of January, whilst I also hope they take a moment to reflect on the values that stand behind such entertainment.”
Tickets range from AED 125 to AED 350. For more information visit: www.abudhabifestival.ae
Sawaiba Khan
