New Abu Dhabi festival for flautists of all levels

The festival’s line-up includes an opening concert by ABFS members and a solo recital by the American artist Linda Chatterton.

Linda Chatterton will perform a solo recital on Friday and will lead masterclasses during the festival. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Flute Festival

The first Abu Dhabi Flute Festival kicks off tomorrow, complete with concerts, workshops and masterclasses.

Jennifer Brooks, who founded the Abu Dhabi Flute Society (ADFS) in 2010 and is the festival’s organiser, says the growing interest in the instrument encouraged them to establish a special platform for flautists to meet and share practices.

ADFS consists of eight active members but has seen more than 19 people contribute to shows since it was founded. The group puts up five concerts every year. Under ADFS, Brooks has brought together other amateur flautists in classical and contemporary recitals at school events.

“As a teacher, I think this is a great opportunity,” says Brooks, a music teacher at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, “because we invite flautists of any ability – from first-year students to professionals.”

The festival, which will be an annual event, includes an opening concert by ADFS members tomorrow and a solo recital by the American artist Linda Chatterton on Friday night. Chatterton, known for her technical mastery and range, has several solo, concerto and chamber choir performances to her credit in the United Kingdom and the United States. She has recorded on CBS Masterworks, Innova and Gothic labels and released five disc recordings as well.

“Chatterton will lead a masterclass on Friday morning with four pre-selected applicants [which visitors can attend],” says Brooks. She will also lead a workshop on performance anxiety on Saturday.

The festival will end with a concert by students from schools across the country.

• The Abu Dhabi Flute Festival runs from tomorrow until Saturday. The opening concert is at 6pm at the American Community School, Abu Dhabi; tickets cost from Dh20 for students and Dh40 for adults. Registrations open at 5pm. For the full schedule of events and ticket information, email [e-mail]

* Afshan Ahmed