More details of the 2014/2015 Abu Dhabi Classics season have been unveiled and tickets are now on sale for performances by some of the world’s finest classical musicians.
Reintroduced by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA) after a three-year break, the annual international concert season, which begins on October 14 and runs until May, will feature a host of leading international musicians and orchestras at venues across the capital, Saadiyat Island and Al Ain.
The theme of the season is The Traveller and it opens with a concert, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, dedicated to Chopin’s travels by the French prodigy Lydie Solomon.
The 32-year-old, who gave her first recital at a music festival at the age of 10, studied under the noted classical pianist Jacques Rouvier.
On October 28, Abu Dhabi Theatre will host the world-renowned classical violinist Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra, with a performance titled The Four Seasons.
These performances join Jordi Savall's previously announced world premiere of Ibn Battuta: The Voyager of Islam at Emirates Palace on November 20.
The Spanish composer will be joined by Hespèrion XXI, an ensemble of 16 musicians playing traditional Arabian instruments, in a musical journey following the travels of the 14th-century Arab explorer. Savall has composed the concert especially for Abu Dhabi Classics and will be joined by Driss El Maloumi – widely regarded as one of the best oud players of his generation and one of the Arab world’s leading artists.
The season will also focus on the role of education and musical knowledge, with the performers visiting schools and universities in Abu Dhabi to encourage and nurture young musicians. Conferences and talks will also be held.
Up to 12 concerts are planned throughout the season, featuring artists from more than 20 countries. Other performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Visit www.abudhabievents.ae for more information.
• Tickets for the Lydie Solomon, Gidon Kremer and Jordi Savall concerts are available at www.ticketmaster.ae and cost from Dh100 and Dh30 for students
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