David Aaron Carpenter 'Looking Forward to Showcasing Alexey Shor's Remarkable Talent!'
The
InClassica International Music Festival
is set to return to
Dubai
in
April 2025
, celebrating its 14th annual edition with a spectacular lineup of world-class musicians, conductors, and orchestras. Running from
April 6th to 21st
, the festival will present a total of 16 concerts at the iconic
Dubai Opera
, offering audiences a series of enchanting performances that fuse timeless masterpieces with contemporary works. This special edition is particularly noteworthy as it marks the
55th birthday of Composer-in-Residence
Alexey Shor
, a prolific contemporary composer whose music has been a defining presence at InClassica in recent years.
Among the distinguished artists returning to the festival is
David Aaron Carpenter
, a renowned violist who has won plaudits and acclaim from audiences across the globe for his commitment to elevating the viola's repertoire. Hailed as one of the world's leading violists, Carpenter has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and festivals worldwide, establishing himself as a champion of his instrument.
We sat down with him ahead of his performance at InClassica 2025, as he shared his thoughts on returning to the festival, collaborating with esteemed musicians, and his deep connection to Alexey Shor's compositions.
The InClassica International MusicnFestival will return to Dubai in April 2025 to celebrate its 14th annualnedition. How does it feel for you to be forming part of this festival, and arenyou looking forward to this latest entry?
'I'm excitednto be returning to the InClassica International Music Festival in Dubai for thenfourth time! I'm particularly looking forward to sharing my music with thenwonderful people of Dubai and performing alongside such an impressive lineup ofnartists."
Based on your history withnInClassica, how would you say you view this festival compared to other eventsnof its nature? What is it about it that has drawn you to return to its lineupnonce more?
'I've had the privilege of performing at some of the world's most renowned music festivals, from Aspen to Verbier in Switzerland, and I must say, it's truly impressive that the InClassica International Music Festival has truly established itself as a major player on the global classical music scene. The fact that Dubai can attract talent of this calibre is a testament to the festival's organisers and the city's growing cultural landscape."
Since it first came to the UAE inn2021, InClassica has helped usher in a new frontier for classical music withinnDubai and the wider GCC region at large. How important do you think such a movenhas been for the world of classical music, and how do you feel aboutnparticipating in this process?
David Aaron Carpenter, American Violinist
'Personally, I feel a deep connection to this region, as my mother is from Iraq. Being here in Dubai, surrounded by the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, feels like coming home. I'm honoured to be part of this process, sharing my music and helping to foster a greater appreciation for classical music."
Your upcoming concert at thisnedition brings together Fumiaki Miura from Japan, conductor Andrea Battistoninfrom Italy, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. What are your thoughts aboutncollaborating with artists from such diverse cultural backgrounds?
'I'm really proud to be sharing the stage with Fumiaki Miura, Andrea Battistoni, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. I've had the pleasure of knowing Fumiaki for over 13 years, since we first met at the Julian Rachlin Festival in Dubrovnik. He's not only a brilliant violinist but also a wonderful colleague, and I'm excited to reunite and perform with him. I've also been practicing my Japanese, so I'm eager to put it to use with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra."
Your concert will feature HectornBerlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Alexey Shor's Violin and Viola Concerto, andnAntonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8. What do you think ties these works together,nand how do they complement each other in creating an unforgettable concertnexperience?
'Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture is a masterclass in operatic scoring and will set the tone for a magical concert. I'm also delighted to perform Alexey Shor's Violin and Viola Concerto, blending virtuosity and musicality with a modern twist and I'm also extremely excited to celebrate Alexey Shor's 55th birthday and honour his work as Composer-in-Residence at InClassica.
As a close friend to Alexey, I've had the pleasure of performing several of his compositions. His unique compositional writing and style have always resonated with me, and he has subsequently written over twenty works for viola and orchestra. As a violist, I find his music both challenging and inspiring—pushing the full range of my instrument's expressive capabilities.
I am truly looking forward to showcasing his remarkable talent at InClassica! Finally, Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 is a beloved classic, with a rustic charm that is evident in most of Dvořák's compositions. I'm excited to be part of this musical journey, and I think the audience will leave feeling inspired by the performance."
'After this performance, are there any upcoming collaborations or projects you're particularly excited about?
'I'm looking forward to a variety of exciting projects; I have several recording projects in the works, which will allow me to explore new repertoire and collaborate with incredibly talented musicians. I'll also be leading masterclasses in several European cities, which is always a rewarding experience. Sharing my knowledge and passion with the next generation of musicians is an important part of my artistic journey."
With his return to InClassica 2025, David Aaron Carpenter is set to bring his signature passion and artistry to the Dubai Opera, continuing his mission to expand the reach of classical music and celebrate the viola on the global stage in an event that is sure to linger on in the minds and hearts of all those fortunate enough to be in attendance.
For more information about InClassica 2025, David Aaron Carpenter and Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor visit the official website at
inclassica.com
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Pogba in race against time as French League season looms
Paul Pogba's return to Monaco this summer set tongues wagging as the 2018 World Cup winner made his comeback to football after nearly three seasons on the sidelines -- a turbulent period blighted by injury, blackmail and an 18-month doping ban. Now with the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season looming large, the former Manchester United star must put all that behind him and get to work if he is to light up Monaco's Stade Louis II and realise his 'dream' of winning back his spot in the France national team. 'It's the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages,' Pogba said during his unveiling at Monaco in July. 'Today I'm at stage one: coming back and performing well.' Pogba's words attracted attention for what he could still offer on the field, but it was his tears of joy that really grabbed the spotlight. Images of the 32-year-old weeping as he signed a two-year contract with Monaco went viral on social media -- thus setting the tone for a very different type of graft. The arrival of the midfielder at Monaco represented more than just the return of a star name of French football to Ligue 1, it was clearly a marketing opportunity too good to pass up. Pogba was sent straight to work. First, he joined Zinedine Zidane for a video produced by their mutual sponsor, which garnered huge attention. Then, he took a trip to Saint Tropez with American influencer Darren Watkins Junior, who has 40 million followers under the name IShowSpeed. After that, he and his wife, Zulay, launched their new high-end jewellery brand, accompanied by a suitable social media campaign. Named 'Unbreakable', the jewellery collection is a direct nod to Pogba's recent travails. He was the victim in March 2022 of an attempt to extort 13 million euros ($15.1 million) from him by relatives, including his brother Mathias who was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, in 2024. Pogba was also injured for a long period and then suspended for 18 months after failing a drugs test while at Italian club Juventus in August 2023. 'High intensity': Since having his contract terminated by the Serie A outfit last November, Pogba had been living in the United States and training alone until Monaco came calling and offered him the chance to make his comeback. 'A lot of boxes were ticked: the conditions, the lifestyle, France, Ligue 1, the family, and of course the club,' explained Pogba, who will be playing club football in his home country for the first time in his professional career. Once back in a professional environment at Monaco, 'the easy part was just beginning' for Pogba. If the exquisitely gifted ball-player was less worried about getting his touch back, rediscovering the fitness and intensity of an elite athlete would be more challenging. A month later, Pogba has moved on to the second phase of his programme: individualised work on the pitch, often with the ball. 'I'm determined,' he said on his arrival. 'I want to get back on the pitch. But it will take as long as it takes.' 'Everything is going in the right direction,' Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro told AFP. 'He has started sessions on the pitch and is making progress. The timing is on track, the process is positive, with no red flags or setbacks so far.' Pogba's progress is been closely monitored by Monaco coach Adi Huetter, who so far is impressed by his commitment and how quickly he has integrated into a squad in which he is the elder statesman. For Scuro the key moment will be 'when (Pogba) is able to participate in all training sessions with the group'. 'The intensity, pressure and level are very high. He will have to be able to repeat this training load on a daily basis. We will then see how his body adapts.' Should all go to plan, Pogba could return to competition in the autumn -- perhaps even in time for the home match against fierce rivals Nice on Oct. 5. Agence France-Presse
The National
6 days ago
- The National
Ashutosh Rana's dream role brings Ramayana to life in Humare Ram
It's been a busy year for acclaimed Indian actor Ashutosh Rana, 57. From the rom-com Loveyapa to historical blockbuster Chhaava and the spy thriller War 2, releasing on Thursday, the actor's seamless transition between genres and characters is proof of why he remains one of the country's most respected performers. "But I'm not talented. I'm just greedy," he jokes. Yet, despite his success on the big screen, Rana's proudest role this year is on stage, where he stars as the complex antagonist Ravan in the theatrical spectacle Humare Ram. Based on the Indian epic Ramayana, the show – which has been performed more than 270 times across India in the past year – will make its international debut with a four-day run at the Dubai Opera starting on Thursday. Weaving together lesser-known episodes from the ancient tale with high-tech production and visuals, Humare Ram offers a fresh and immersive retelling of the Ramayana – a tale of duty, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. It follows prince Ram, a major Hindu deity, through his 14-year exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. When Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravan, a bloody war ensues. The epic ends with Ram's victory and triumphant return to Ayodhya as king. Starring alongside Rana are playwright Rahull R Bhuchar as Ram and Harleen Kaur Rekhi as Sita, among others. The show also features music by some of the biggest names in India, including Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher. For Rana, best known for his villainous roles in films such as Dushman and Sangharsh, playing Ravan was a lifelong dream. 'He's a character with many shades and depths," he tells The National. 'Ravan has all the sur [notes]. Like music has seven surs, missing even one makes the orchestra incomplete. Ravan embodies all those surs." Rana's fascination with the Ramayana began early in his career in the 1990s, when he honed his craft as a theatre actor in Ram Leela performances or dramatic enactments of Ram's life traditionally staged during the autumn festival of Navratri. In 2020, he authored the book Ramrajya, which explores the concept of an ideal state based on Ram's values. He views Ramayana not just as a religious story, but as a guide to dharma or the way of life that elevates both the individual and society. 'If you want to be a better friend, leader or human being, Ramayana offers all those lessons. It's full of grace, gratitude and the wisdom to live a meaningful life," he says. "If you want to establish or polish yourself, Ramayana has all the ingredients. For example, you are a journalist and I am an actor. If we follow the dharma of journalists or actors, we will produce fantastic work. Ramayana teaches how to follow and fulfill dharma." Rana says the Humare Ram 's universal themes, combined with its grand scale, have helped broaden its appeal with a cross-section of audiences – and even sparked renewed interest in Indian theatre. " Humare Ram 's huge commercial success showed people theatre can be a thriving industry. Now many big production houses are investing in theatre," he says. "And now we're taking Humare Ram abroad, including Dubai, and I hope many more artists will be doing shows internationally. "You need content that touches the soul and heart. If the content is bad, even a big-budget film won't succeed. If the content is fantastic and presented with grace and honour, people will love it and support it." As an actor, it makes little difference whether he's performing before a camera or on stage, he adds. "Honesty is the most important thing, whether on film or on stage," he says. "The biggest difference is the communication and connection you get from performing live. That interaction is satisfying and unique to theatre. "Also, meeting people who've transformed because they saw this show is very fulfilling. If this art can make someone a better human being, that's fantastic." Playing Ravan has not only been fulfilling, but also an education, he says. And even after 276 shows over one and a half years, he's not slowing down any time soon. "Acting is my passion, which luckily is also my profession and education. When your education, passion, and profession meet, you don't get tired. And this role is exactly that for me," he says. "There are billions of people in the world. I want every human being to watch this play at least once. We will take it as far as we can." Humare Ram is running at the Dubai Opera from Thursday to Sunday, with two shows a day on the last two days. The show is performed in Hindi. Tickets start at Dh180.
Middle East Eye
6 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Madonna to Pope Leo: ‘Please say you will go to Gaza'
Madonna has called on Pope Leo to go to Gaza and 'bring your light to the children'. 'Most Holy Father, Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late,' the American singer wrote in an Instagram post on Monday evening. She added that as a mother, she could not bear to watch their suffering. 'The children of the world belong to everyone,' the pop superstar said. 'You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry.' New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Last month, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the highest-ranking Catholic official in Jerusalem, made a rare visit to Gaza alongside Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem. The visit was made days after an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City - the last Catholic church in the enclave - killed three Palestinians and wounded several others. Pope Leo's initial response to the attack, which acknowledged the loss of life but did not name Israel as the attacker, drew backlash and comparisons to his predecessor Pope Francis, who was outspoken in his condemnation of Israel's war. He later attributed the attack to the Israeli army. Madonna's plea adds to a chorus of voices urging the pontiff to break the siege on Gaza and lead an urgent mission to the enclave. 'Break the siege': Calls mount for Pope Leo to visit Gaza Read More » The singer called on the 'humanitarian gates to be fully opened' to save children in the Palestinian territory. Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on the entry of food and humanitarian assistance into Gaza since March, leading to widespread starvation and malnutrition. Since late May, the controversial US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has taken control of aid distribution in the enclave. However, it has handed out a small fraction of the aid needed, and at least 1,800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid - most of them near GHF sites, which are heavily militarised. At least 222 Palestinians have died of starvation since the war began, of whom 101 are children, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza. Madonna's run-in with popes Madonna's statement fell well short of criticising Israeli actions in Gaza. 'I am not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides. Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well,' she said. 'I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation.' She said that politics 'cannot affect change', and that only 'consciousness can', which was why she was reaching out 'to a Man of God'. Madonna was raised as a Roman Catholic, and has often used Catholic imagery in her songs and music videos. Her provocative representations of religious themes - including burning crosses and pole-dancing nuns - have resulted in run-ins with the Catholic church and popes spanning decades. In 1990, Pope John Paul II described The Blond Ambition Tour as 'one of the most satanic shows in the history of humanity'. Her Confessions tour in 2006 was described as a 'blasphemous challenge to the faith and a profanation of the cross' by Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, who was speaking with the approval of Pope Benedict XVI. 'She should be excommunicated,' Tonini said. She sparked controversy last year after posting an AI-generated image of Pope Francis with his hand around her waist. In June, an investigation carried out by the New York Times concluded that Madonna and Pope Leo shared an ancestor six generations ago, making them ninth cousins.
