Abdel Rahman El Bacha
Who? Born to a composer and a singer in Beirut back in 1958, it’s hardly surprising that this Lebanese pianist has risen to become one of the most celebrated figures in classical music, captivating audiences across the world and achieving legendary status in the Middle East. As the undisputed star of the festival’s opening night – subtitled Mozart Masterpieces – he’ll be contributing to a series of recitals of the Austrian master’s best-loved works, including ‘Symphony No. 29’ in A major.
When and where? March 19, Emirates Palace Auditorium
Globe Education
Who? The community wing of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which tours the world holding public events and workshops in honour of The Bard. Their stop in the capital will see them deliver what promises to be a searing rendition of Macbeth – the story of a spurned military general who seeks bloody revenge against his king. The group’s previous performances of the play have taken on a contemporary edge, making this rare theatrical treat (which will be staged precisely 400 years after its first performance at the Globe) a great opportunity for first-timers to get to grips with perhaps the most influential tragedy ever conceived.
When and where? March 21, Abu Dhabi Theatre
Russell Maliphant and Sylvie Guillem
Who? A British-French choreographer-dancer duo, widely regarded as one of the most mould-breaking contemporary dance partnerships of the last decade. For their part in the festival, they’ll be revisiting Push, the critically acclaimed fusion of classical ballet and contemporary dance than won Maliphant an Olivier Award in 2006. Parisian Guillem, meanwhile, is no stranger to success herself; her ballet career now just shy of three decades, she’s scooped numerous honours for her work and headed up some of the globe’s most prestigious dance companies.
When and where? March 23, Emirates Palace Auditorium
Al Jarreau
Who? He started singing aged just four and, now 71, the Milwaukee-born jazz singer has never looked back. He’s been called everything from the father of beat-boxing to the greatest jazz vocalist ever to purr into a microphone, and as such draws huge crowds when he regularly appears as a headline act at jazz festivals around the globe. Along with Michael Jackson, he’s one of only two artists to have won Grammy awards in jazz, pop and R&B categories, so don’t expect to see many empty seats when he brings his unique vocal jam to Abu Dhabi early next month.
When and where? April 3, Emirates Palace Auditorium
Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Who? The curtain closer for this year’s festival is one of the most admired opera singers to come out of Russia in the last century, having unleashed his mesmerising baritone on opera houses from London to Sydney. Joined by talented soprano Ekaterina Siurina and led by renowned Italian maestro Nicola Luisotti, he’ll be wrapping his vocal chords around arias by Rossini, Mozart, Verdi and Puccini, bringing Abu Dhabi Festival to a dramatic climax, as the crowd soaks up some of the most iconic pieces of classical music ever composed.
When and where? April 4, Emirates Palace Auditorium
The Abu Dhabi Festival runs from March 19 – April 4. For more information visit www.abudhabifstival.ae. Tickets available from www.timeouttickets.com.
