Under the sponsorship of its lead partner Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, held under the theme ‘The Future Starts Now’, unveils The Story of the Violin, a unique performance by star violinist Nicola Benedetti, CBE on 29 June.
The intimate virtual concert will feature Benedetti, alone on a rustic stage, vividly describing the little-known histories and intricacies that make four violin compositions from the last 350 years seminal to the instrument’s captivating story. Following each narrative, Benedetti will then play the composition with the passion that has grown out of the deep connection she feels to each of these pieces by Biber, Bach, Niccolò Paganini and Eugène Ysaÿe.
The performance will be presented across Abu Dhabi Festival’s digital channels, in cooperation with the Benedetti Foundation. In addition, a piece composed by Wynton Marsalis for a special project by the Benedetti Foundation will be played by violin proteges around the world.
Her Excellency Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and artistic director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said:“Our strong partnership with the Benedetti Foundation presents unparalleled musicians at Abu Dhabi Festival, and we are delighted to work with the most sought-after violinist of her generation. Nicola Benedetti’s passionate performances of compositions by Biber, Bach, Paganini and Ysaÿe, as well as her narration of the stories behind each, highlight the emotional power and journey of the violin. Her historic collaboration with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis to invest in young violinists will reach a global audience including the next generation, bringing the Festival abroad with a unique virtual concert experience.”
Nicola Benedetti said: “I am so excited to share this project with Abu Dhabi Festival’s audiences. This is a unique and personal performance celebrating the history and emotional power of this magical instrument. Through these four seminal works – which stretch some 350 years – we will explore the extraordinary story and sound of the violin. I am also thrilled that through the Benedetti Foundation we were able to work with violin students from around the world on a specially composed piece by Wynton Marsalis. I can’t wait.”
HE Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul – UAE Ambassador to the UK added: “The United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom have enjoyed a long history of cultural collaboration. This is reflected in initiatives and partnerships which include art exhibitions, cultural exchange programmes, music and the performing arts.
“I am looking forward to what is sure to be a memorable performance by Nicola Benedetti, who is an incredibly gifted musician. I’m proud that the Abu Dhabi Festival is bringing this performance to an international audience and it is fitting that this celebration occurs as we mark 50 years of our strong bond with the United Kingdom. I am sure that this performance will inspire musicians and music lovers of all ages in the UAE, UK and around the world.”
HE Patrick Moody – British Ambassador to the UAE said: “I am very excited to hear that Nicola Benedetti CBE will be performing for the Abu Dhabi Festival later this month. Nicola is a multi-award winning British violinist and one of the most influential classical artists of her generation. She is a passionate advocate of classical music and musical education. I have no doubt that Abu Dhabi Festival’s virtual audience will be captivated by Nicola’s musical performance.”
Story of the Violin will be premiere on 29 June at 08:00pm UAE Time. The one-of-a-kind, personal and beautifully filmed concert experience celebrating the history and emotional power of the violin and its iconic repertoire.
For more information, visit Abu Dhabi Festival’s website: https://bit.ly/2SgFoZ4, and its digital platforms on:
Facebook: abudhabifestival; Twitter: @abudhabi_fest; Instagram: @abudhabifestival.
Held under the theme ‘The Future Starts Now’, the year-long programme for the 18th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival combines a unique hybrid programme of virtual and in-person performances, exhibitions and events leveraging the latest digital technology, and with the participation of over 500 artists from more than 50 countries. The Festival will provide audiences with 16 exciting world premieres, 12 festival productions, eight global co-productions and four exclusive commissions, with 1 global music tour.
Based on its clear vision to adapt to the rapid digital transformation and the sustainability of cultural initiatives, Abu Dhabi Festival combines a unique hybrid programme of virtual and in-person performances, exhibitions, and events leveraging the latest digital technology.
