logo
String quartet to make music magic at Abu Dhabi Festival

String quartet to make music magic at Abu Dhabi Festival

Al Etihad23-04-2025

24 Apr 2025 01:03
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Master violinist Yamen Saadi returns to the Abu Dhabi Festival's recital series, leading a line-up of exceptional talent including violist Sara Ferrandez and cellists Kian Soltani and Pablo Ferrandez. Saadi, born in Nazareth, joined the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra at 11, became concertmaster at 17, and by 25 was leading both the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic.Sara Ferrandez, from Madrid, also a member of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic's Karajan Academy and Anne-Sophie Mutter's Virtuosi ensemble.Pablo Ferrandez, praised for his technique, spirit, charm and authority as a soloist, received an Opus Klassik Award for his album, Reflections.Soltani, born in Bregenz to a family of Persian musicians, gained global recognition after winning the Helsinki International Cello Competition in 2013 and recently earned the Innovative Listening Experience Award for his album "Cello Unlimited".
Watch "Unique Encounters with Rising Stars" at The Blue Room at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, on April 26 at 7.30pm.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abu Dhabi Festival highlights Emirati music talent at London's Kensington Palace concert
Abu Dhabi Festival highlights Emirati music talent at London's Kensington Palace concert

The National

time8 hours ago

  • The National

Abu Dhabi Festival highlights Emirati music talent at London's Kensington Palace concert

Emirati musicians and composers took centre stage at a recital held at Kensington Palace in London. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Festival in partnership with UK non-profit the Peace and Prosperity Trust, the invitation-only performance on Friday was held in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The evening featured soprano Fatima Al Hashmi and baritone Ahmed Al Hosani, and marked the culmination of a three-week residency in London, where both artists trained under Welsh tenor Dennis O'Neill. The London concert is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival's continuing international programme, which this year included the March premiere of its co-commission of Claude Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande at Paris Opera and a December concert by the UN Chamber Music Society at New York's Carnegie Hall. All these international initiatives serve a wider purpose, says Abu Dhabi Festival artistic director Huda Al Khamis Kanoo, from advancing the UAE's cultural diplomacy to supporting Emiratis in the creative industries through talent development and technical training. She describes the London performance as the first in an continuing partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust, a UK non-profit founded in 1995 that focuses on supporting cultural talent in the Middle East, and an example of how Emirati artists are appearing on international stages. 'What we are doing with these programmes is really more about what you are going to see in the future on stage, and that is more and more Emiratis performing in international spaces with world-class voices,' Alkhamis-Kanoo says. 'And these will be powerful moments because we didn't exist on these international stages before and now we have the exceptional talent to do so. When they are listening to the music, they are hearing who we are as nation and what we represent.' That principle guided Emirati composer Ihab Darwish in writing an evocative five minute piece Ruins of Time, which premiered at the Kensington Palace concert. Blending Arabic historical and contemporary melodies with elements of western classical music, the work was performed by an ensemble featuring strings, piano, qanun and the ney, a traditional Levantine reed flute. As someone who composed similar momentous pieces, including the Abu Dhabi Festival commissioned Symphony of Three: Peace, Love, Tolerance in 2023 to celebrate the arrival of the Abrahamic Family House, he says the personal satisfaction of these compositions are unparalleled. 'The impact for me is deeper and not only in the way the music is received, but how I essentially view myself – and that's more as a cultural ambassador than a composer,' he says. 'And as a musician from the UAE, we have so much inspiration to pull from, whether it's our own heritage or the fact we have more than 200 different nationalities who coexist together, that we have a responsibility to create music that at the very least provides an understanding of how we as people can understand each other more through peace and tolerance.' Al Hashmi, whose repertoire included arias from Camille Saint-Saens' Samson and Delilah and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, says the London concert and residency programme pushed her creatively and offered valuable insight into the music industry. 'We've learnt about the different paths to becoming an opera singer, whether through full productions or recital work, because they require different approaches,' she says. 'It's been a wonderful three weeks of intensive vocal training with people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. We've learnt so much not just technically, but also about the structure of the music industry in the UK and Europe, and how it differs from the UAE and the wider Gulf region. We were introduced to the role of managers, how auditions are conducted, and how singers are selected for opera productions.' Al Hosani, who delivered stirring renditions of Neapolitan songs by celebrated 20th-century Italian composer Ernesto De Curtis, describes the experience as akin to an opera boot camp. 'Each day was filled with learning, refining technique, interpreting music more deeply, and collaborating with incredibly talented artists and mentors,' he says. 'It pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me that excellence in this art form demands constant dedication and humility. I came out of the experience more confident and more connected to my purpose as a performer.' That work, Al Hashmi says, is only half done. Trained academically as an architectural engineer, she views her pursuit of a career in opera not only as a personal calling but as a message to fellow Emiratis to follow their passions, and as a step towards helping build the UAE's infrastructure for a performing arts industry. 'I do see it as a huge responsibility,' she says, 'not only to develop myself, but to contribute to the growth of the nation as a whole.' Alkhamis-Kanoo echoes that sentiment, describing the concert as part of a broader professional and personal legacy-building effort. 'Whatever I built, I believe in giving opportunity. It's an investment. And when you invest, you don't just sprinkle funds and stop. It's a legacy you are building for a lifetime,' she says. 'If an Emirati is not on the stage, they could be backstage as a director, an engineer, a designer, or a sound technician. The talent and drive are there. We just have to keep opening doors and creating opportunities.

Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at local museums and experience culture, history and giveaways
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at local museums and experience culture, history and giveaways

Al Etihad

time2 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at local museums and experience culture, history and giveaways

6 June 2025 01:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Local museums are opening their doors to the public for free over the long historical and cultural sites will be hosting events where you can celebrate Eid Al-Adha with the are invited to come and experience the rich heritage of the UAE, as well as a variety of fascinating arts and Eid gifts also await following are mandatory stops on any Abu Dhabi museum tour: Al Hosn Site Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at Al Hosn with a lively three-day event, featuring joyful moments for children, Eidiya surprises, and fun-filled giveaways. Dates: June 6–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free House of ArtisansJoin House of Artisans for Fwalat Al Eid, an Emirati tradition during Eid, symbolising hospitality and honouring guests. This custom, passed down through generations, features an array of traditional snacks, reflecting the values of hospitality in Emirati culture and adornment. Date: June 7–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pmSecond Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free Manarat Al SaadiyaJoin the Eid Al-Adha celebrations at Manarat Al Saadiyat under the theme of palm trees. Bring the family and enjoy a vibrant day filled with art workshops and creative activities designed for all ages. While there, you might as well check out the following exhibitions: Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection"Layered Medium: We are in Open Circuits" exhibitionMawhibaty Student Showcase ExhibitionZayed University ShowcaseEach offers a unique perspective on artistic expression and local June 6–8Time: 10am to 8pmEntry: Free Al Ain Cultural SitesExplore Al Ain's cultural sites and discover the stories buried in their walls - stories that echo a living heritage. As part of the celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to receive thoughtfully designed gifts, each inspired by the spirit and essence of its location. Al Jahili Fort At Al Jahili Fort, a beautifully crafted pin bearing the falcon emblem - symbolising pride and strength - awaits June 6–7 First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmBait Mohammed bin KhalifaAt Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, a delicate art piece portrays Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa alongside his sons, capturing the values of family and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmQasr Al MuwaijiAt Qasr Al Muwaiji, the elegance of tradition comes alive in a design inspired by the "bisht pattern" worn by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - an honourable tribute to his presence and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmAl Ain OasisIn Al Ain Oasis, gifts reflect the generosity of the land with fresh nagal dates, celebrating the bounty of the June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 5.30pmAl Qattara Arts CentreThis centre offers a poetic touch with a sticker adorned with a verse from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed, expressing identity and emotion through June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmDelma MuseumVisit Delma Museum and enjoy special Eid Al-Adha giveaways distributed for the June 6–7 First Day of Eid: 9am to 12pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: Daily 10am to 6pm | Friday 2pm to 6pm

Abu Dhabi announces fireworks displays to mark Eid Al Adha
Abu Dhabi announces fireworks displays to mark Eid Al Adha

Al Etihad

time3 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Abu Dhabi announces fireworks displays to mark Eid Al Adha

4 June 2025 18:38 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi has announced fireworks displays across various locations in the emirate to mark Eid Al Adha. A total of seven locations - two in Abu Dhabi City, two in Al Ain Region, and three in Al Dhafra Region - will host the displays on the first day of Eid at 9pm. isplays will continue every day until the third day of Eid at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island, and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain Region. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store