Piano man Guy Manoukian returns to Dubai Opera this year

The popular pianist promises a new show and crowd favourites

Lebanese-Armenian composer and pianist Guy Manoukian has a free-wheeling approach to his craft. Courtesy Dubai Opera.

Guy Manoukian will return to Dubai Opera in November.

The popular Lebanese-Armenian pianist will take the stage on November 28, just over a year after his sold-out gig at the same venue. This time around, he promises a new show, which will feature a bunch of guest artists.

This will be complemented by instrumental crowd favourites that see Manoukian fusing eastern and western styles, in addition to his modern takes on Arabic orchestral classics, including the works of late singers Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim Hafez and Zaki Nassif.

Who is Guy Manoukian?

Child prodigy Manoukian took up the piano at the age of 4, and three years later found himself performing to Lebanese dignitaries at the presidential palace.

Mentored by leading figures in the region’s classical music industry, Manoukian went on to carve out a career with an evocative body of work blending the technical prowess of western classical music with the passion and soul of Arabic music.

When it comes to describing his eclectic styles, Manoukian told The National that they were a reflection of his life's experiences. "I am Lebanese of Armenian origin. I live in Lebanon, speak Arabic, love the music of Warda and Fairuz, but at the same time I love Chris de Burgh, Duran Duran and Coldplay," he said. "What I am doing is not fusion, but honest music."

With a new album set to be released this year, fans will have a lot to enjoy when Manoukian is back in the UAE.

Tickets begin from Dh195 from www.dubaiopera.com

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