Abu Dhabi Classics presents the Russian National Orchestra live in the capital city this October for two nights! The Russian National Orchestra (RNO) is one of the world’s finest and leading ambassador of Russian music. Unlike any other ensemble, the RNO is known for its brilliant interpretations of classical Russian music, such as, the great symphonies and concertos of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Dimitri Shostakovich.

Under the baton of the legendary conductor, Grammy Award and European Cultural Award winner Mikhail Pletnev, the orchestra will play a programme dedicated to Russian composers from the 19th and 20th century.

The musicians will be complemented by the 15th International Tchaikovsky Competition winner - the young French classical pianist, Lucas Debargue. Together with Vladislav Lavrik, Russia’s finest trumpeter, they will perform Shostakovich’s Concerto in C minor on the piano, trumpet and string orchestra.

Written in 1933, Shostakovich’s double concerto ranks amongst the most technically challenging classical music pieces ever composed - a masterpiece of early 20th century classical music.

Debargue and the RNO will also interpret the popular and inspiring Piano Concerto No.1 by Tchaikovsky. Another highlight will be Tchaikovsky’s equally famous No.5 Symphony, with which the composer, in the tradition of Ludwig van Beethoven, revisits the theme of fate.

Alexander Glazunov’s music from the ballet performance 'The Seasons', together with contemporary American composer Gordon Getty’s 'Ancestor Suite' and 'Homework Suite', will complete the programme of the two evenings.

These concerts illustrate Abu Dhabi Classics’ commitment to bridging musical genres and encouraging contemporary music and artistic creation.