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Abu Dhabi Music Program 2022

Abu Dhabi Music Programme 2022

Abu Dhabi Culture presents the Abu Dhabi Music Programme, which revives the incredibly rich dialogue around music, from cultures around the world.

 

Through its programs; Abu Dhabi Classics, Bait Al Oud Series, Sound of UAE and Umsiyat, DCT—Abu Dhabi presents some of the main artists in the field of Arabic and Western classical music with an aim to display how borderlines between the so-called 'Western', 'Arabic' and 'Local' classical music have become porous. At the same time, the Department is offering an extended programme dedicated to regional heritage music, thus proposing a unique musical panorama for all listeners.

 

The Department, as part of its musical programme also aims to combine the educational efforts of younger generations and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the UAE by organizing several dialogues, workshops and lectures by some of the most important contemporary musicians in a bid to revive the culture of dialogue, tolerance and openness to other cultures.

 

Abu Dhabi Classics 2022

 

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Classics presents a new season of dynamic, classical and traditional musical performances in the capital.


Audiences can always expect a rich and diverse selection of performances, built on the works of leading composers - a highlight of the cultural calendar.


As well as world-renowned orchestras and soloists, Abu Dhabi Classics brings ballet and the performing arts, and celebrated artists from the Arab world to audiences, in what is considered amongst the strongest arts programming in the region.

 

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with Daniel Harding


For decades, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has been ranked among the very best orchestras in the world, alongside the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic. Some of the greatest conductors ever – from Willem Mengelberg to Bernard Haitink and Riccardo Chailly – have worked with the orchestra and written music history. For the first time in 10 years, the prestigious Concertgebouw Orchestra is now returning to the Gulf region, to offer music lovers some of the world’s most beautiful classical music. For its first night in Abu Dhabi, the orchestra will perform the work of a composer it is most closely linked to: Gustav Mahler. Having performed some of the greatest Mahler recordings, the orchestra will play his last completed symphony: the majestic 9th.

Mahler’s 9th is considered one of the most accomplished symphonic works of all time. It is an immense homage to love and a musical celebration of life of an intensity unheard of or since.

PROGRAMME

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Daniel Harding
, Conductor

van Veldhuizen: Mais le corps taché dombres for harp and strings, 2019 (8 minutes)
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 in D major (81 minutes)

9 November 2022, 8PM
Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi


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Daniel Harding  Julian Hargreaves _ 3

 

 

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with Daniel Harding and Leonidas Kavakos


For its second concert in Abu Dhabi, the prestigious Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will be playing an early performance designed with the goal of being both an experience for classical music lovers and to attract those who want to be introduced to it. The programme features Beethoven’s popular 6th Symphony, the Pastorale, which reflects the feelings that nature’s beauty can arouse in the observer. The programme will offer music at its highest level and at the same time give a beautiful overview of what classical music is all about. For the Brahms violin concerto, the orchestra will be joined by one of today’s best and most revered violinists, Greek star Leonidas Kavakos, who will be playing in Abu Dhabi for the first time.

PROGRAMME

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Daniel Harding,
Conductor
Leonidas Kavakos, Violin

Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major op. 77 (38 minutes)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major op. 68, Pastorale (39 minutes)

10 November 2022, 6PM
Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi Classics - Leonidas Kavakos

 

National Ballet of Cuba: Carmen

 

Based on Bizet’s celebrated opera, Carmen tells a tale of an enchanting seductress who radiates defiance and freedom, a tale with an ending far more complex than a doomed love affair.

The staging by Ballet Nacional de Cuba focusses on the intention of revealing the essential contradictions between Carmen’s rebellious personality and the forces of her time.

The gypsy Carmen, a beautiful and sensual woman, gets in a fight that leads to her arrest. Carmen captures the heart of Don Jose, an army corporal who leaves his job and joins her world. But Carmen quickly wearies of Don Jose’s possessiveness. When she turns her attention to the dashing toreador Escamillo, Don Jose’s jealousy erupts into violence and fate shortly defines the destiny of the main characters.

PROGRAMME

Don Quixote Suite

Music: 
Ludwig Minkus
Choreography: Adaptation by Alicia Alonso

Carmen Suite
Ballet in one act

Music: Georges Bizet — Rodion Shchedrin
Choreography: Alberto Alonso
Production Designer: Salvador Fernandez

25 November 2022, 8PM
Cultural Foundation Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

CARMEN-cropped

 

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Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: Gala Concert


The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1936 by Bronislaw Huberman. Huberman assembled a professional symphony orchestra of high calibre, consisting of Europe’s most talented Jewish symphonic players. Arturo Toscanini conducted the opening concerts in December 1936 and again in April 1938. The orchestra’s name was changed to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) in 1948, after the establishment of the State of Israel.
Today, the IPO ranks among the world’s best orchestras and has played for many decades under the baton of legendary conductor, Zubin Mehta.
The orchestra has toured the world and played with the greatest performers in classical music including Valery Gergiev, Daniel Barenboim, Radu Lupu, Pinchas Zukerman, Gil Shaham, Gustavo Dudamel, Evgeny Kissin, Kurt Masur and his son Ken-David, Mischa Maisky, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Yefim Bronfman, Maxim Vengerov, Murray Perahia and Yuja Wang. Since 2020, the orchestra has been playing under the artistic direction of star conductor Lahav Shani, who rose to fame as Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
In line with its tradition of creating unique high-level artistic events for the Gulf region, Abu Dhabi Classics will present the first concert by this prestigious orchestra in the region. For its one-night-only appearance in the UAE capital, the IPO will perform Gustav Mahler’s majestic Symphony No. 1. Written between 1884 and 1888, the symphony was inspired by the works of the German romantic period and imagines in music the possibility of a noble and heroic life. Mahler also conceived of the work as a tone poem in symphonic form. Nicknamed 'Titan', as a reference to Jean Paul Richter’s novel, the symphony is a wonderful introduction to Mahler’s musical language and offers the perfect programme for a truly historic night of music.

PROGRAMME

Mozart:
Piano Concerto No. 27 in B♭ major

Intermission

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D major


20 December 2022, 8PM
Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

Israel Orchestra

 

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Rebeca Omordia: Piano Recital 'African Pianism'


The 'African Pianism' piano recital consists of works by composers from West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), South Africa and North Africa (Morocco), as well as other works using African percussion. Rebeca Omordia will use local percussionists to play a Moroccan piece, ‘En attente du printemps’ for piano and darbuka.

20 January 2023, 8PM
Cultural Foundation Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

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Rebeca Omordia


 

 

Philharmonie de Paris Concert

 

 

Demos Project: Philharmonie de Paris Concert

 

In cooperation with the Demos Project of the Philharmonie de Paris in France, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi presents the result of its musical training with specialised teachers and public school children from across the emirate.

Since October 2021, ten teachers have travelled from Paris to Abu Dhabi to teach children different musical instruments, with the aim of creating a youth orchestra (featuring violin, cello, viola, wind and brass instruments, timbal, oud, qanoon, and darbouka) for the emirate.

The 80 children, who had no previous knowledge of music, will now be joined by the teachers to perform their first musical pieces on stage. The unique event will not only show how classical music is interpreted by younger generations but also underline Abu Dhabi’s new status as a UNESCO City of Music, where music is part of every household and musical practice of young musicians is supported.

12 October 2022, 6PM
Cultural Foundation Auditorium, Abu Dhabi


Project Demos 

 

 

The Youth Orchestra Concerts

 

 

The Youth Orchestra: Opera Highlights


The Youth Orchestra is a brand-new platform for young musicians in the capital to express their musical talent, through educational programmes, rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi is collaborating with the International Music Institute - one of the oldest institutes in the country, founded in 1994 - to organise a programme open to all music students in the United Arab Emirates. Students will be selected via an audition process.

The concert will feature a mix of solo and orchestral music from the baroque/classical period, played by the junior and senior musicians of the Youth Orchestra.

16 October 2022, 6PM
Cultural Foundation Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

Youth Orchestra Oct 25 

 

 

The Youth Orchestra: Season Finale with Orchestra and Choir


The Youth Orchestra is a brand-new platform for young musicians in the capital to express their musical talent, through educational programmes, rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi is collaborating with the International Music Institute - one of the oldest institutes in the country, founded in 1994 - to organise a programme open to all music students in the United Arab Emirates. Students will be selected via an audition process.

The concert will feature a mix of solo and orchestral music from the baroque/classical period, played by the junior and senior musicians of the Youth Orchestra. 


10 December 2022, 6PM
Cultural Foundation Auditorium, Abu Dhabi

Youth Orchestra Dec 10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Umsiyat


Le Trio Joubran


Umsiyat presents a real highlight for its 2022 Edition: the Trio Joubran!


Samir, Wissam and Adan Joubran are three brothers descending from a family of « Oud » makers and players since four generations... the grand grand-father, the grand-father, the father and now, Samir, Wissam and Adnan have transformed this instrument into a passion, a skill, a life...


Their mastery of « Oud » is singular and so are the harmony and the synchronization that they perform all over the world, before different publics united by the Trio's authenticity and excellence.


The three brothers are originally from Palestine and have become today musicians who are sought after worldwide, progressing in their art thanks to a big amount of individual and collective effort and to the deep love and respect of music and public.


Like no other music group of the Arab World, Le Trio Joubran has been able to find new rhythms and notes with the oud and has completely renovated our understanding of the Region’s music.



14 December, 2022, 8PM
Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Trio Joubran 

 

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Jazz Night: New Jazz in Egypt


As part of the Umsiyat concert series, Trio Abozekrys will be performing in Abu Dhabi for the very first time. The trio is the first musical meeting between two brothers, and its music tells a story of travelling back and forth between Egypt and France.


Earlier in their careers, the Abozekry brothers never collaborated with each other – each of them following their own artistic path. But a few years ago, they united in a musical dialogue, forming a visionary and explosive project that demonstrates to audiences how interesting contemporary instrumental music produced in the Middle East can be.


No pyramids, camels, or pharaohs! Trio Abozekrys is an experience from a totally new generation of eccentric and energetic musicians.


The Abozekry brothers – Mohamed on oud and Abdallah on saz, accompanied by Nicolas Thé on drums – bring new flavour to Middle Eastern sounds, changing expectations about what jazz can be.


“Don’t Replace Me By A Machine is one of the most original and inspiring releases we have received from the Arab world in a long time” – Louis-Julien Nicolaou



15 December, 2022, 8PM
Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Jazz Night New Jazz in Egypt  Ziad Tarek _3a Posters_05 

 

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The Indian Masters:
Shujaat Khan, Amit Chobey, Nihar Mehta


Shujaat Khan’s art, with its tolerance and diversity, its new ways of marrying music and poetry, embodies the spirit of Umsiyat like that of few other artists. Born into a family of musicians going back generations, Khan is today considered the greatest living sitar player and has brought this musical art to worldwide audiences, performing in the most prestigious global venues including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and the United Nations Assembly Hall. His recordings appear at the top of the Greatest World Music Albums of All Time List on Amazon and have won him many awards, including a Grammy nomination.


For his first appearance in Abu Dhabi, Khan will be joined by two other outstanding musicians, world-leading tabla players Amit Choubey and Nihar Mehta.



17 December, 2022, 8PM
Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
The Indian Masters 

 

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Sounds of the UAE


 

The 'Memory of the Emirati Song' programme is celebrating the 51st anniversary of the United Arab Emirates National Day, and will run alongside the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, from 1–20 November 2022. The programme will feature Arab and Emirati artists, including talented musicians from Bait Al Oud.

 

 

Oraib Hamdan


Oraib Hamdan was born on 30 December 1980 and is a Jordanian living in the United Arab Emirates.


Her performances are distinguished by her use of the Emirati and Gulf style and dialect, from her education and growing up in the United Arab Emirates.


She has sung for many famous poets, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the poet Ghayhib, as well as performing at many Gulf Region festivals.


She has a distinctive style with her strong and able voice. Many poets and composers have placed their trust in her beautiful voice. Some of her most famous songs include Yesterday, Yashuq, My Tormentor and The Bow is Your Bow.


Oraib will perform at a concert at Al Qattara Arts Centre for the Traditional Handicrafts Festival. For her second participation for the ‘Memory of the Emirati Song’ series, Oraib will present a diverse programme that includes several traditional Emirati songs in addition to some of her well-known favourites.



Date: 5 November 2022
Time: 8 PM
Location: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain

 

Omar Suhail


Omar Suhail is an up-and-coming Emirati singer who explores a combination of music and poetry.



Date: 12 November 2022
Time: 8 PM
Location: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain

 

 

Abdel Moneim Al Ameri


Abdel Moneim Al Ameri has participated in many art festivals, such as the Layali Dubai and Jarash Festival. He has also taken part in many local and regional Arab festivals and concerts and has participated in many of the concerts to commemorate UAE National Day.


Abdel Moneim Al Ameri is holding a concert at Al Qattara Arts Centre alongside the Traditional Handicrafts Festival. In his debut participation in the ‘Memory of the Emirati Song’ series, the artist will present a diverse programme that includes several traditional Emirati songs in addition to a selection of his well-known favourites.


Abdel Moneim Al Ameri is an Emirati artist, who was born in Abu Dhabi City, and is known for performing Emirati heritage songs.



Date: 19 November 2022
Time: 8 PM
Location: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain