The Korean Symphony Orchestra marked its Arab world debut at 2019’s Abu Dhabi Festival on Friday with a mesmerising concert featuring music from Korea and Europe, specially chosen by the orchestra’s Chief Conductor and Music Director, Maestro Chi-Yong Chung. As the Festival’s ‘Country of Honour’ this year, this was a particularly noteworthy performance, highlighting the prowess of many of Korea’s finest musicians, as well as its unique music culture.
The dynamic, powerful, technically brilliant orchestra brought to life three works – Korean composer, Young Lo Jee’s Arirang Festival for Orchestra, Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, S. 124 and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No.8, Op.88. Joining the musicians was the internationally acclaimed solo pianist, Jae-Hyuck Cho, whose flawless technique and extraordinary breadth of expression left the audience stunned, with many claiming his performance was the best they had ever witnessed.
Running until 30th March 2019, Abu Dhabi Festival brings a line-up of globally renowned artists to the capital, including award-winning American jazz pianist extraordinaire, composer, producer, educator and Quincy Jones; Artist, Justin Kauflin; Welsh opera superstar, Sir Bryn Terfel; Sara Baras, considered one of the best flamenco dancers and choreographers in the world; and, to conclude the Festival, a performance by France’s oldest national ballet company, The Paris Opera Ballet, in Jewels by George Balanchine.
The Festival is also hosting a compelling exhibition entitled, ‘Distant Prospects’, presenting the history of European landscape painting from the world-renowned ‘Liechtenstein – The Princely Collections’. Exhibited for the first time in the Middle East, these artworks – some of the world’s most important – survey the history of landscape painting over the course of several centuries. The exhibition will feature key figures in the Late Renaissance and Baroque artistic movements. Parallel to the exhibition, an engaging educational programme will inspire visitors with panel discussions, guided tours and creative workshops.
The Abu Dhabi Festival is organised by Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, ADMAF, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision.
