Unlike most events in the city, which steadily rise to a crescendo over a few months before exploding in a frenzied forte of media coverage, the Abu Dhabi Classics is in it for the long run. It is a season in the truest sense and, from now until April 2010, the city will see a steady stream of monthly classical concerts.
Last year was its debut but, as any musician knows, the follow-up is always the most difficult. So what can we expect to see? The 2009 season brings a continuation of the Classics’ avowal to represent all the musical capitals of the world, says artistic director Till Janczukowicz. ‘We are very happy to have the Vienna Philharmonic back again,’ he tells us. ‘We are also proud to present the debut of the New York Philharmonic in the Arabic world this month and, for the first time, we are bringing an orchestra from Paris – the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France – to take part in the French programme at the end of November.’
The focus is purely on orchestras and virtuosos this year, but with the corniche slowly becoming a major music venue thanks to Womad and the F1, will we ever see anything similar to the famous British Proms in the Park? ‘We are working on this,’ says Till. ‘We are in touch with the BBC about this project, which will be a part of next season. It won’t be outdoors, though. You can only really do that between October and April, but we are working on this kind of thing.’
The main obstacle the Classics faces is getting people interested. The turnout for the previous season was considered good but, in fairness, this praise comes with an asterisk. ‘We got more than we thought,’ says Till, ‘but the idea of selling tickets to a classical concert was something totally new to the emirates. In the past you had the situation where people were simply invited to concerts.’ This had to change, he says. ‘To build a sustainable musical life in the long run you have to educate and tell people they have to pay money for quality.’
It’s a difficult message to swallow when you’re used to getting something for free. So it is no surprise that this year the Classics is spreading its cultural nets further afield in search of an audience. Scheduled buses will be running from Dubai’s Al Nasr Leisure Land, shepherding arts patrons to and from concerts. But its reputation is growing it seems – apparently more than 250 tickets have been booked by visitors from abroad – proof, says Till, that the Classics’ fame is spreading.
But, while international popularity might keep the tourist dollars flowing in, it is on the local stage that the Classics proves most interesting. Countless cities can boast glittering classical programmes, but rarely do you see its international artists working with local schools and universities beforehand. For example, George Michael played Abu Dhabi back in December, but we didn’t expect him to teach a maths class that afternoon. The Classics are different, though. Last year, four days before the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra played Emirates Palace, it was announced that a local orchestra of schoolchildren would be performing alongside them. Some 500 people turned up to watch. This year, two such concerts are scheduled, while a choir made up of Abu Dhabi children is being put together to perform with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra at the Disney concert. ‘Entry is open to any child’ says Till, ‘just send a message via the website to sign up.’
Talk is now of the Classics Academy, a series of lectures planned to accompany the concerts. When asked about the potential for building a future UAE orchestra, Till says that they are working with teachers and artists to extend the work of the academy. Perhaps tellingly there still isn’t sign of a conservatory in the capital yet, but with the Sorbonne growing and the imminent arrival of the New York University, Till is confident that it won’t be long before we see one. In the meantime, though, we will just have to content ourselves with some of the finest orchestras in the world.
Tickets for the Classics are available from www.timeouttickets.com.
Classical nights
October
New York Philharmonic: A programme of Beethoven, Mahler and Brahms over two nights conducted by Alan Gilbert.
Oct 23, Emirates Palace; Oct 24, Jahili Fort, Al Ain
November
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France: Myung Whun Chung conducts the famous French orchestra perform ‘Maurice Ravel Ma Mère l’Oye’.
Nov 27, Emirate Palace
Stars of Tomorrow: Young soloists of the St Petersburg Conservatory perform works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Liszt.
Nov 28, Abu Dhabi Theatre
December
Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden: The Dresden orchestra offer a programme of Mozart and Bruckner, and a Santa Claus Concert for kids.
Dec 5-6, Emirates Palace
January
Philharmonia Orchestra: London’s legendary Philharmonia perform pieces by Mozart and Beethoven, followed by a concert of Disney classics.
Jan 14-15, Emirates Palace
Soloists: Some of the most famous solists perform in the capital including legendary violinist Anne Sophie Mutter.
Jan 23, Emirates Palace
February
Valentine Gala: A romantic evening of classical music to celebrate this special day.
Feb 14, Emirates Palace
Vienna Philharmonic: Lorin Maazel conducts performances of Beethoven and Debussy.
Feb 15, Emirates Palace
March
Mahler Chamber Orchestra: The orchestra performs pieces by Mozart, Prokofiev and Bernstein over two nights.
Mar 2, Emirates Palace; Mar 5, Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain
April
Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro La Fenice: The programme includes the Italian Opera Gala and solo artists.
Apr 18 & 29, Emirates Palace
Bayerisches Staats Orcheste: Thomas Hengelbrock conducts the Wagner gala.
Apr 29, Emirates Palace
