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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."
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
What's On
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
This month-long classical music festival returns to Dubai in April
A celebration of outstanding classical music… Classical music fans, take note. InClassica International Music Festival 2025 returns to Dubai next month, taking place from April 6 to 21, taking place at Dubai Opera. The two-week festival will bring together an incredible lineup of world-renowned perfumers who have classical music running through their veins. As with previous editions, expect a packed line-up of astonishing young talent and the world's most established and famous musicians. The music festival opens with a performance by Roman Kim – the winner of International Violin Competition, Valsesia Musica . Kim shot to fame in 2012 when he astonished music lovers across the world with his ability to play all four parts of Bach's Air on a single violin. (Seriously, you have to watch this video on YouTube). On the night, he won't be alone, as he will join forces with Franz Schubert Filharmonia and American conductor, Sergey Smbatyan. For music fans who prefer hearing the tickling of ivories, Mikhail Pletnev who is regarded among the finest living pianists, will be performing on multiple night during the music festival. The first will be on April 9, where he will be joining the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. On April 12, he will join Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich (pictured above), conducting the Franz Schubert Filharmonia. Lozakovich was chosen to play at the reopening of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris – an event culture fans across the whole world had their eyes on, so there's zero doubt about his musical greatness. Above: On April 19, Pletnev will perform for a third time, presenting a solo recital delighting audiences with a selection of works that spans the best of the classical music world. But this won't be the last time you hear from him, as he will once again join Lozakovich on stage on the grand finale on April 21 to close the music festival. It's a night music lovers won't forget, as it will be filled with melodious tunes from two of the biggest names in the contemporary music world. *All the upcoming performances in Dubai in 2025 you need to know* Other award-winning performers include acclaimed Italian violinist Giuseppe Gibboni and the renowned Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, marking their first appearance at the music festival on April 7. On April 8, expect classical favourites performed by Franz Schubert Filharmonia alongside the distinguished French cellist Edgar Moreau, led by Spanish conductor Tomàs Grau. We will also be graced by the music of one of the foremost violinists of our time, Gil Shaham on April 14, and on April 17, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform under Andrea Battistoni presenting a symphonic concert. Tickets are already on sale on and prices to see any of the shows start from Dhs199. Tickets for the shows are nearly selling out, so book the ones you want to see quick. InClassica International Music Festival, Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, April 6 to 21, from Dhs199. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. @dubaiopera Images: Getty Images > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
From Paris to Dubai: Gautier Capuçon set to shine on InClassica's stage after Notre-Dame reopening
More than five years after large sections of Paris's iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral were destroyed in an inferno that shocked the world, the jewel of the French capital recently opened its doors to the public once again, unveiling the hard work carried out by hundreds of conservationists, builders, and artisans over the course of the past months and years. This special occasion was marked with a spectacular ceremony held on the 7th of December, presided over by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich and French President Emmanuel Macron, with more than 1,500 dignitaries from all around the globe gathered in attendance. Among the events that took place, audiences were treated to a classical performance from French siblings Renaud (violin) and Gautier Capuçon (cello), who presented an arrangement of the Passacaglia from Handel's Harpsichord Suite in G minor (HWV 432). A multiple award winner, Capuçon, who remarked that he felt 'very honoured to play at the reopening concert of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris' alongside his brother, is renowned for his expressive musicianship and exuberant virtuosity, having already become a household name amongst classical music lovers in France and beyond. Regularly performing with many of the leading orchestras and conductors of our time, the cellist has appeared in concert at the world's biggest venues and music halls, and is soon set to follow up on his Notre-Dame performance with an appearance at the 14th edition of the InClassica International Music Festival in Dubai. Coming to the stage of Dubai Opera from the April 6 to 21, InClassica 2025 will be featuring a staggering 16 concerts over more than two weeks, giving audiences the chance to witness the greatest living musicians active today in live performance. Across its run, the festival will be welcoming no fewer than 14 internationally acclaimed soloists, alongside two philharmonic orchestras, and five esteemed conductors. Capuçon will be headlining one concert during this edition of the festival, taking to the stage of Dubai Opera on April 17, as he looks to present a varied programme of works alongside the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and their Chief Conductor Andrea Battistoni. This will include pieces by Battistoni himself, as well as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's famous Fifth Symphony and others. With his participation in such high-profile events as these, Capuçon continues to underscore his central role within the contemporary classical music sphere, as well as his dedication to spreading the beauty of the shared global heritage and bringing exceptional performances to audiences around the globe, all the way from the steps of Notre-Dame to the biggest stage of Dubai.
Khaleej Times
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Witness the return of Mikhail Pletnev's £100,000 piano at InClassica 2025
Renowned Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev is gearing up for his highly anticipated performance at InClassica 2025 with his beloved 'SK-EX Shigeru Kawai' grand piano, which follows him all over the world. The prized instrument, a top-of-the-line product of Shigeru Kawai series of grand pianos specially manufactured and tuned for the musician by Kawai in Hamamatsu, Japan, was robbed in 2023 while en route to a concert in Palermo, Italy, where the pianist was performing. The van containing the piano, worth an estimated £100,000, was stolen by thieves from a parking garage which Pletnev employs for all dates of his international tour, leaving him and his fans devastated at the loss of his invaluable device. After a tense spell, the piano, albeit damaged, was retrieved by Italian police. It has since been brought back to its original glory and fully restored with the help of tuner Arimune Yamamoto, ready to accompany Pletnev back to the stage where it truly belongs. For the maestro whose international performances rely heavily on this specific piano, the recovery of the instrument signifies a fresh chapter in his career, leading him to his highly-anticipated return to The InClassica International Music Festival 2025 in 5 different roles in Dubai. This ground-breaking affair, taking place from the 6th to the 21st of April, will bring together classical music's finest soloists, conductors, and orchestras for two weeks of dazzling performances. Marking its 14th anniversary, this edition dedicated to Composer-In-Residence Alexey Shor is extra special as it allows audiences to witness the virtuoso's invaluable presence across four concerts and five different roles. On April 9, he will perform as a soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrea Battistoni. Then, on April 12, he will conduct the Franz Schubert Philharmonia with the young violin sensation Daniel Lozakovich featuring 14 Mémoires Musicales, a piece for orchestra inspired by Pletnev's life memories from childhood through youth, conveyed through simplicity and powerful emotions. He will also present a solo recital on April 19 with a curated selection of works spanning the best in classical music before bringing the festival to a close with a spectacular grand finale, a duo recital on April 21 accompanied by Lozakovich. As one of the most charismatic musicians of the 21st century, Mikhail Pletnev has rightfully earned icon status in the world of classical music. Born in the northern Russian port of Arkhangelsk in 1957 to musician parents who taught at the local conservatory, he achieved widespread acclaim after winning first prize at the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition at age 21. Since then, his recordings have earned numerous accolades, including a 2005 Grammy Award for his own arrangement of Prokofiev's Cinderella and the 1996 Gramophone Award for his critically acclaimed album of Scarlatti's Sonatas. Pianist, conductor, composer, and cultural leader, remarkably talented Mikhail Pletnev is one to watch for at the world's biggest musical observatory, InClassica 2025, set against the stunning backdrop of the Dubai Opera.
