Abu Dhabi Classics is back for its ninth edition, and the 2020 lineup offers a unique and immersive experience allowing everyone to explore and enjoy the magic and diversity of the classical music universe. This event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, presented by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and brought to you by du Live, Abu Dhabi Classics 2020 will feature some of the leading contemporary artists in Arabic and Western classical music, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as the culture arts and music capital of the Middle East.
With limited tickets for the week-long unique and immersive experience, organisers have lined up a classic treat for ticket buyers. Those who purchase tickets for the performances will be entered into a draw to win an exclusive meet and greet with the star performer following their concert.
Ticket holders who have already secured their seats for their favourite performer will also be entered into the draw, for the once-in-a-life opportunity to meet with a star from the world of classical music or ballet.
From the most famed singer’s in the Arab World and acclaimed classical artists, to rising stars and a celebration of the 250th birth anniversary of the legendary Beethoven, here’s the top reasons to attend the Abu Dhabi Classics, from 28 January to 7 February at Cultural Foundation, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi and du Arena, Yas Island.
Take in the delights of the Cultural Foundation
One of Abu Dhabi’s enduring landmarks, the Cultural Foundation is packed with history, architectural heritage, and steeped in Emirati culture. Designed in a unique manner to serve as a mirror of the past, the present, and the future, effectively amalgamating ethnic cultures and traditions with a slice of modernity, the Cultural Foundation, housed in the iconic Qasr Al Hosn complex, in downtown Abu Dhabi, is a brilliant medium to understand, experience, and witness Abu Dhabi’s journey through the ages.
Catch one of the most famed Arab artists – Magida El Roumi, LIVE
Headlining the 2020 season of Abu Dhabi Classics is the legendary Lebanese vocalist Magida El Roumi, who will captivate the du Arena, Yas Island, on February 7 through her crystal-clear voice and extraordinary vocal range. Having ruled the Arabic music world across the past four decades, El Roumi has recorded hits across a range of musical genres – from classical Arabic music to modern Arab pop.
In 2012 she released an album ‘Ghazal’, a collection of songs she spent six years working on with poets and composers.
Having kicked off her career at the tender age of 16, El Roumi’s climb to the top of the Arab world’s musical charts and her longevity makes her a more than worthy act to close out another spectacular season of Abu Dhabi Classics.
See emerging Arabic star Sanaa Nabil
The great grandniece of the legendary Umm Kulthum, one of the Arab world’s most accomplished and popular singers, Sanaa Nabil is carving out a fantastic reputation in her own right as a singer. After a stunning debut on reality TV show Arabs Got Talent, where Nabil regaled fans with classic renditions of ‘Ifrah Ya Albi’, and ‘Itna Omri’ among others, performances that won her the golden buzzer, she has built up a strong following aged just 17. Having started her musical journey under Dr. Ahmad Abdullah, a leading Egyptian Oud player, her prowess as a singer was immediately apparent, being crowed the winner of the International World of Mugham competition at the age of 16.
French piano stars ready for a starring role
Piano concertos, a core genre of western classical music, will be brought to life by acclaimed French pianist David Fray as he takes the stage at the Cultural Foundation to open the ninth season of Abu Dhabi Classics on January 28 with an inspirational performance of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s concertos for 2, 3, and 4 pianos. Fray, widely referred to as the most inspired Bach player of his generation, will be accompanied by ace pianists Emanuel Christien, Audrey Vigoureux, and Jacques Rouvier. The quartet will be complemented by the prestigious Geneva Chamber Orchestra, with the combination taking spectators on an enthralling journey through some of the most abiding western classical music experiences. On Saturday February 1, acclaimed French pianist Lise de la Salle will perform Dances, a programme which will explore dance rhythms from various times including pieces by Ravel, Stravinsky, Bartok and Debussy, as well as music from American dance culture and Latin America.
Witness the wonder of the ballet and the UAE debut of prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova
Regarded as one of the greatest ballerinas of her generation, prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova will lead a star-studded cast of dancers from the famed Bolshoi Ballet Company on January 31 at the Cultural Foundation. Zakharova will headline ‘Modanse’ a brand-new double bill produced by MuzArts. The first part will allow spectators to experience the elegance and signature grace of a beautiful ballet performance set to the Baroque style of Handel’s music, while part two will see a performance of ‘Gabrielle Chanel’ – a tribute to fashion icon and designer Coco Chanel with Zakharova essaying the lead role.
Embrace Classical music
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Classics offers a unique and immersive experience allowing everyone to explore and enjoy the magic and diversity of the classical music universe.
The 2020 season will feature some of the most promising talents in Classical music, creating a true artistic dynamic for both the artists and the public. The programme will include world-renowned orchestras and soloists, inspiring ballet, and renowned artists, including Magida El Roumi, and a variety of performing arts, bringing together the strongest line up to date.
This season of Abu Dhabi Classics offers something for everyone.
Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a performance of his iconic 9th Symphony
On February 5, the globally renowned Hamburg Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s world-famous 9th Symphony, a piece which is seen as a turning point in musical history, ushering in the 19th century’s ‘Romantic’ period. The concert at Emirates Palace will be an unmissable experience for fans of music and culture, with more than 100 musicians and a chorus of 70 singers performing a wonderfully uplifting piece, which represents humanity, tolerance and unity
For more information or to book tickets to the most influential and prestigious classical music programme in the Middle East, visit www.ticketmaster.ae
Follow Abu Dhabi Classics on social media: on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @abudhabimusic
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Tickets for the below events are on sale exclusively from www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE. For further information please visit www.abudhabimusic.ae and www.dctabudhabi.ae.
| Date | Event | Ticket prices | Venue | Doors Open |
| Tue 28 Jan | Bach Concertos for 2, 3 and 4 Pianos | Diamond – AED 395
Platinum – AED 295 Gold – AED 195 |
Cultural Foundation | 7pm |
| Friday 31 Jan | MODANSE starring Svetlana Zakharova
A MuzArts Production |
Diamond – AED 395
Platinum – AED 295 Gold – AED 195 |
Cultural Foundation | 7pm |
| Sat, 1 Feb | Lise de la Salle – Solo Piano Recital | Diamond – AED 395
Platinum – AED 295 Gold – AED 195 |
Cultural Foundation | 7pm |
| Tues, 4 Feb | Hamburg Symphony Orchestra – Tchaikovsky and Brahms | Diamond – AED 395
Platinum – AED 295 Gold – AED 195 |
Cultural Foundation | 7pm |
| Wed, 5 Feb | Hamburg Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven’s 9th Symphony | Diamond – AED 495
Platinum – AED 395 Gold – AED 295 |
Emirates Palace | 7pm |
| Thu, 6 Feb | Saltana with Sanaa Nabil | Diamond – AED 250
Platinum – AED 150 Gold – AED 75 |
Cultural Foundation | 7pm |
| Fri, 7 Feb | Magida El Roumi | Diamond – AED 995
Platinum – AED 695 Gold – AED 495 Silver – AED 295
|
du Arena, Yas Island | 7pm |
Abu Dhabi Classics 2020 also offers special packages for its audience to attend multiple concerts:
Arabic Music Package – 10% discount
| Category | Package Prices |
| Diamond Category | AED 1,120.50 |
| Platinum Category | AED 760.50 |
Classical Music Package – Buy 3 Get 1 FREE
| Category | Package Prices |
| Diamond Category | AED 1,285 |
| Platinum Category | AED 985 |
Highlights Package – 20% discount
| Category | Package Prices |
| Diamond Category | AED 1,508 |
| Platinum Category | AED 1,108 |
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