Now in its seventeenth year, Abu Dhabi Festival will be kicking off again from March 31.
Spanning the worlds of music and art with poetry, theatre, opera, ballet, orchestral performances, jazz and much more, a total of 46 different events will be taking place across the world in famous cities like New York and Barcelona, as well as here in Abu Dhabi.
If you love music or dance then you won’t want to miss the below shows that are happening right here on our doorstep. Make sure you get them pencilled in your diary.
Opera
The Cleveland Orchestra with Sir Simon Keenlyside
This impressive orchestra was founded in 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio and since then it has grown to become one of the most admired symphony orchestras in the world. The concert at Emirates Palace will feature multi-award winning British baritone Sir Simon Keenlyside and exceptional classical compositions such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Opus 64.
From Dhs175. Tue Mar 31 8pm onwards. Emirates Palace Auditorium, Emirates Palace, West Corniche.
Classics
The Cleveland Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma
The prestigious Cleveland Orchestra are back again for a second performance on April 1, but this time they will be joined by world-famous cellist and previous Abu Dhabi Festival headliner Yo-Yo Ma. Ma has produced 90 albums and won 18 Grammy Awards during his highly successful career. This is a special opportunity to see one of the world’s leading symphony orchestras and most celebrated musicians of all time perform pieces like Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major ‘The Great’, D. 944.
From Dhs175. Wed Apr 1 8pm onwards. Emirates Palace Auditorium, Emirates Palace, West Corniche.
Ballet
Romeo and Juliet by the American Ballet Theatre
The American Ballet Theatre is considered to be one of the greatest dance companies in the world, and it has been revered since it was founded in 1939. Based in New York City, the company has been on 30 international tours to 45 different countries throughout the years. Here in Abu Dhabi they will be performing two back-to-back performances of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, joined by The Cleveland Orchestra. Don’t miss the chance to these two groups performing together for the first time, in what promises to be a spectacular and moving show.
From Dhs175. Fri Apr 3 & Sat Apr 4 8pm onwards. Emirates Palace, West Corniche.
Jazz
Gregory Porter
Jazz, soul and gospel vocalist Gregory Porter will be marking his Abu Dhabi Festival debut with what promises to be an incredible performance at Emirates Palace. Known for his warm baritone vocals, the two-time Grammy Award-winning artist will be performing some of his greatest hits for us. Compared to musical greats like Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, he is perhaps best known for his two award-winning albums Water and Liquid Spirit. We can’t wait for this one.
From Dhs175. Thu Apr 9 8pm. Emirates Palace Auditorium, Emirates Palace, West Corniche.
