Latest news with #InClassicaInternationalMusicFestival
Euronews
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
InClassica festival in Dubai gathers global classical artists & orchestras for two weeks of concerts
ADVERTISEMENT The 14th edition of the InClassica International Music Festival took place in Dubai, bringing together renowned soloists, orchestras, and conductors from around the world. Over 16 concerts, the event highlighted both classical masterpieces and works by composer-in-residence Alexey Shor, whose 55th birthday was marked during the festival. Featuring names like Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, the programme combined established figures with emerging talent. Organisers and artists described the festival as a rare platform for collaboration and connection. With growing audiences and international recognition, InClassica continues to establish itself as a major fixture on the global classical music calendar.
Euronews
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Dubai's InClassica International Music Festival returns with composer Alexey Shor at centre stage
ADVERTISEMENT The 14th annual edition of the InClassica International Music Festival runs from April 6-21, dedicated to composer-in-residence Alexey Shor, whose 55th birthday is celebrated throughout the festival programming. The series of concerts at Dubai Opera form the world's biggest classical music observatory, where exceptional young talent meets some of the genre's most established and famous musicians. Shor is joined on stage by 13 talented soloists, two symphony orchestras and five conductors from around the globe, performing his compositions alongside the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. A total of 16 concerts will play out across the two-week festival, featuring the Franz Schubert Filharmonia from Spain and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well performances from renowned Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, Cypriot-born British pianist and conductor Marios Papadopoulos and conductor Tomàs Grau, from Barcelona. From maths prodigy to maestro Alexey Shor InClassica For Shor, originally from Ukraine, the festival is an opportunity not only to hear his work performed live but to introduce new audiences to the world of classical music. 'As far as I know, there's never been anything like this in Dubai,' he says. 'InClassica is the biggest musical event in the Middle East ever and I'm sure that in every audience, there will be lots of people enjoying their first classical concert.' Unlike many of the young virtuosos in the lineup, Shor didn't start composing until his late thirties, after a successful career in finance. 'As a child, I was somewhat of a math prodigy and I went on to work as a mathematician, first in academia and later in finance,' he says. 'I would have never guessed 20 years ago that I'd be where I am with music, but here we are.' His unexpected pivot to the arts has not only redefined his life but also brought his compositions to stages around the world. His works - often lyrical, catchy and engaging - have become staples in international concert halls and music festivals. This year, that legacy takes centre stage in Dubai, offering audiences a deep dive into his distinctive musical voice. 'It's an honour to celebrate my birthday during the festival,' says Shor. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet amazing performers who become friends over the years and hear new interpretations of my music.' Where classical tradition meets contemporary emotion Marios Papadopoulos InClassica Shor's music offers an accessible entry point to classical traditions, creating pieces audiences can appreciate and remember. "His music is far from avant-garde," Papadopoulos says. "It's melodic, something you can whistle as you leave the concert hall. These are tunes that connect with people, that speak a universal language beyond complex musical theory." By strategically programming Shor's compositions alongside masterworks by Beethoven and Brahms, the festival creates a dynamic musical dialogue that speaks to varied audiences. ADVERTISEMENT "We live in multicultural societies," Papadopoulos says. "Diversity isn't just important - it's essential. "Music speaks to people at various levels. My purpose isn't just to play notes, but to touch souls, to translate complex emotions into a language everyone can understand. 'Music is my oxygen, my way of communicating what words cannot express. When an audience feels deeply, when they are moved beyond mere listening, that's when true connection happens. If I can make you shed a tear, I've done my job.' Notes between friends Daniel Lozakovich InClassica That spirit of emotional honesty and connection carries through to the performers, many of whom see the festival as more than just a professional engagement. ADVERTISEMENT For established artists like Lozakovich, who gave his first live concert at just nine years old, InClassica offers more than a stage - it's a space for meaningful exchange. Now 24, the violinist sees the festival as a rare opportunity to engage with world-class talent from every corner of the globe. 'Collaboration is the most important thing,' he says. 'That's how you understand what it means to share and connect. In music, when that connection happens, it's a powerful heart-to-heart. 'Right now, music is needed more than ever, especially in countries or places where it's still new. It brings people together in a way few things can.' ADVERTISEMENT Taking classical music to the streets Tomàs Grau InClassica For Grau, the music director of the Franz Schubert Filharmonia, InClassica is just the beginning of a larger movement - one that brings classical music out of traditional venues and into everyday life, making it something everyone can experience and enjoy. 'Studying music is so important for children as it helps develop both sides of the brain,' says Grau. 'Even if they don't grow up to become professional musicians, we are building the audience of the future, which is very important for society.' Away from the Dubai Opera stage, the orchestra aims to take chamber music to the streets of Barcelona and beyond. 'We believe in bringing music directly to people, performing in town squares and outdoor spaces to show that classical music isn't an elite art form, but a living, breathing expression of human creativity,' says Grau. ADVERTISEMENT 'By playing contemporary pieces with traditional instruments, we want to break down barriers and show that musicians are just passionate people who love sharing music with everyone."
Gulf Today
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
David Aaron Carpenter 'Looking Forward to Showcasing Alexey Shor's Remarkable Talent!'
Gulf Network 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 .
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
From Japan to UAE: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra debuts at Dubai Opera at InClassica
Featuring a programme celebrating a rich tapestry of talent performed by renowned soloists and orchestras, the InClassica International Music Festival 2025 is scheduled to make a grand return to Dubai in April. The world's biggest musical observatory, which has received high praise from audiences and critics alike during its short run, is returning for a very special 14th edition dedicated to the 55th birthday of its composer-in-residence, maestro Alexey Shor, a renowned contemporary artist who has written some of the most cherished pieces of the 21st century. Held from the 6th to the 21st of the month at the breathtaking Dubai Opera, the grand affair will present a total of 16 concerts across a two-week line-up, featuring two philharmonic orchestras, 14 internationally lauded soloists and five esteemed conductors of classical pieces traversing composers from past to present. One of the two chief orchestras showcasing their musical talents at the event is the Tokyo Philharmonic, a globally acclaimed ensemble known as the oldest symphony orchestra in Japan, performing under the baton of its chief conductor, Andrea Battistoni. The orchestra will be seen participating in six different concerts at InClassica featuring an exciting repertoire of classical works and world-class soloists such as Giuseppe Gibboni (Italy), Gautier Capuçon (France), David Aaron Carpenter (United States), Mikhail Pletnev (Switzerland), Behzod Abduraimov (Uzbekistan), Fabrizio Meloni (Italy) and Fumiaki Miuri (Japan), among others. Their programmes are carefully designed to highlight the orchestra's versatility and functionality, featuring masterpieces from classical geniuses such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Borodin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky as well as contemporary works by resident composer Alexey Shor including the world premiere of his Violin Concerto No. 7 and collaboration with Mikhail Pletnev, Suite for Piano and Orchestra No. 2, "From My Bookshelf". Expressing their excitement about their upcoming performances at the upcoming festival, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra declared, ''We are proud to announce that this is the first time a Japanese orchestra will perform at the InClassica International Music Festival in Dubai, and we are committed to making the most of this rare and special opportunity. We carefully refined our programme with Maestro Andrea Battistoni to bring out the distinctive characteristics of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring six different pieces with different soloists, including Alexey Shor's vibrant and approachable compositions. We're confident that everyone will thoroughly enjoy the combination of Battistoni and the Tokyo Philharmonic!'' For more information about the 14th edition of the InClassica International Music Festival 2025, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and composer-in-ressidence Alexey Shor visit the official website at
Gulf Today
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
'Great that Composers like Alexey Shor are Writing Tonal Music', says Roman Kim
Gulf Network The InClassica International Music Festival will soon be returning to Dubai from April 6th to 21st, 2025 , celebrating its 14th annual edition with an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras. Taking place at the prestigious Dubai Opera , this year's festival holds special significance as it marks the 55th birthday of Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor , a prolific artist who is hailed amongst the most influential voices in the contemporary classical music scene. Among the star performers gracing the stage at this edition is the celebrated violinist Roman Kim , who will headline the festival's opening concert on April 6th. Kim, widely regarded as one of the most innovative violinists of his generation, expressed his excitement at joining the festival, stating that 'I'm very honored and very happy to be part of this festival, to open it, and to perform on stage with such great musicians. It's a truly special occasion, and I'm really excited!' For his performance at InClassica, Kim will be collaborating with the Franz Schubert Filharmonia under the baton of the esteemed UK conductor John Warner . Reflecting on this upcoming partnership, Kim noted that 'I have never performed with the Franz Schubert Filharmonia before, so it will be an incredible experience for me. I'm really looking forward to playing with them at this festival.' Alexey Shor, InClassica Composer-in-Residence As InClassica continues to expand classical music's reach in the Middle East, this edition will highlight the works of Alexey Shor, celebrating his rich legacy and plentiful contributions to contemporary classical music. Kim, who has previously performed Alexey Shor's works, shared his appreciation for the composer's distinct musical style, noting that 'it is great that some composers today are still writing in tonal music, rather than atonal. Alexey Shor is writing tonal music, and I admire such a creative activity very much, because musical art is the most beautiful art and it has the capacity to save the world!' Kim's April 6th performance will feature Shor's Violin Concerto No. 2, 'Phantasms', a work that blends lyrical expressiveness with virtuosic flair. Speaking about the concerto, Kim remarked that, 'I have already performed part of this piece—'Flight of the Falcon'—and I think it's a fantastic idea to incorporate it into a full concerto. I'm very happy to be one of the performers bringing this work to life.' Beyond his participation in InClassica 2025, Kim has a busy year ahead with a host of performances, masterclasses, and projects. 'I have many exciting projects this year,' he said. 'I will be playing twelve concerts in Munich, featuring traditional repertoire, as well as performances in Taiwan, Romania, Italy, France, and more. In China, I'll be sitting on the jury of an international competition this July, and I will also be giving many summer academies and masterclasses, as well as concerts of course. Additionally, I'm working on launching my own violin string company, as I've been producing my own strings for many years. It's a lot of work, but I'm very excited!' For more information about InClassica 2025, Roman Kim's performance and Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor visit today.
