As part of its exclusive commissions and productions, and in partnership with Lead Partner Mubadala Investment Company (“Mubadala”), the 18th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF), themed “The Future Starts Now”, launched on Tuesday with the first event of its Ramadan Series under the theme “Human Fraternity: Dignity and Hope”. The performance in collaboration with Hiba Al Kawas Academy,featured Wajd (Devotion)by singer Marwan Fagi, a Saudi tenor with a warm voice hailing from Mecca, and was streamed online via ADF’sdigital platforms.
Dr. Hiba Al Kawas, composer, soprano, academic, produced and conducted the captivating show and mentored Fagi, weaving together the singer’s natural high tones and soothing low tones. Fagi was accompanied by members of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the partnership between ADMAF, Abu Dhabi Festival and Hiba Al Kawas Academy to guide a variety of artists, from opera singers to chanters and pop,to hone their skills and develop their inspiring techniques. Today, we witness the onset of a journey for Saudi talents taking their first steps in Abu Dhabi, and on to international stages,” said Dr. Hiba Al Kawas.
The performance saw high engagement and interaction from audiences through social media, where Fagi gave an outstanding performance of “AteehuFika” (Lost in you), a song he composed on a poem by Nada El Hage, with music arranged by Rami Basahih.
Members of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the melody in the iconic National Museum of Lebanon, located in Beirut, while Fagi recorded his voice in Al-Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge, a ‘must see’ Islamic heritage museum located in Jeddah.
“Being part of Abu Dhabi Festival is a great opportunity for me, given its cultural status on local, regional and global levels and its unique multicultural message of acceptance and openness, which positively serves the music industry in the Arab world. My current experience with ADF is unique and special because it is liberating from all traditional musical restrictions,” said Marwan Fagi.
Fagi thanked Dr. Al Kawas for her guidance and supervision of the performance and for conducting the orchestra to deliver an artistic vision in a graceful and sublime way. “At a time when the whole world is going through various challenges, we all need to come together and deliver a message of love and acceptance through our voices, and this is the objective of Abu Dhabi Festival,” added Fagi.
The Ramadan Series continues on 24 April with a performance by Saudi countertenor Mohammed Khayran Al-Zahrani, bringing Saudi cultural heritage together with Western opera in a performance entitled “Ethereal”.
The “Human Fraternity: Dignity and Hope” Ramadan Series includes digital performances of over 25 songs and chants by bright Arab vocalists and creators, written by 11 poets and writers and performed by 8 chanters and singers, accompanied by 60 musicians.
To enjoy Fagi’s performance and for more information about the “Human Fraternity: Dignity and Hope” Ramadan Series, follow us on social media or visit Abu Dhabi Festival’s Ramadan Series page: Ramadan Series – Abu Dhabi Festival
The series is part of the 18thAbu Dhabi Festival’s yearlong programme, themed “The Future Starts Now”, combining virtual and in-person performances, exhibitions and events by over 500 artists from more than 50 countries. The Festival will bring audiences 16 exciting world premieres, 12 festival productions, eight global co-productions and four exclusive commissions, with one international music tour.
