RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, is set to host a series of enchanting Candlelight Tribute concerts at SeaWorld Yas Island on September 21. The concerts promise to offer a unique and immersive musical experience, featuring tributes to the iconic Adele and the timeless compositions of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
The Candlelight Tribute to Adele is a celebration of the British singer-songwriter’s most beloved hits, performed in an intimate, candle-lit setting at the SeaWorld Yas Island’s Al Azure Ballroom.
The evening will feature evocative renditions of Adele’s chart-topping songs, including “Hello”, “Someone Like You”, “Rolling in the Deep”, and “Skyfall”. The Gulf Strings, a talented ensemble of musicians, will bring these songs to life, creating a magical atmosphere under the gentle glow of candlelight. The concert promises to be a multi-sensory experience, where the audience can feel the raw emotions and powerful vocals that have made Adele a global sensation.
Adele, born Laurie Blue Adkins, on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, England, showed early musical talent, learning guitar and clarinet. She attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology.
In 2006, a friend posted her songs online, catching the attention of record labels. Adele signed with XL Recordings and released her debut album, “19”, in 2008, featuring hits like “Chasing Pavements”.
Her second album, “21” (2011), included chart-toppers like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You”, winning six Grammy Awards and becoming the best-selling album of the 21st century. In 2012, she released “Skyfall” for the James Bond film, winning an Academy Award. Her third album, “25” (2015), broke sales records with hits like “Hello”.
Adele’s latest album, “30” (2021), features “Easy on Me”. She has sold over 120 million records worldwide, cementing her status as a leading music artist.
One of the unique aspects of this concert is its setting. The Al Azure Ballroom, with its panoramic views of marine life, provides a serene and captivating backdrop for the performance. As the musicians play, the gentle movements of dolphins and other sea creatures add an extra layer of enchantment to the evening. This fusion of music and nature creates an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a typical concert.
On the same evening, the venue will also host a Candlelight Tribute to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. This concert will take the audience on a journey through the iconic compositions of Antonio Vivaldi, performed by the renowned Klaudia’s String Quartet. The programme includes the four concertos that make up Vivaldi’s masterpiece: “Spring”, “Summer”, “Autumn”, and “Winter”, as well as the compelling piece “Palladio” by Karl Jenkins.
Composed around 1718-1720, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is one of the most celebrated works in the classical music repertoire. Vivaldi composed the piece while he was the court chapel master in Mantua, Italy.
Vivaldi’s innovative use of musical imagery was revolutionary for its time. He meticulously translated the poetic lines of the sonnets into musical phrases, creating vivid soundscapes that brought the text to life. For instance, in the “Spring” concerto, listeners can hear the sounds of birds singing, a babbling brook, and a thunderstorm. In “Summer”, the music depicts the oppressive heat, a storm, and the languid atmosphere of the season. “Autumn” captures the joy of the harvest and the excitement of a hunt, while “Winter” evokes the chill of the cold, the warmth of a fire, and the slipperiness of ice.
The tribute concert aims to bring the compositions to life in a way that is both immersive and intimate. The ballroom, with its gentle flicker of candles and the serene aquatic surroundings, will create a tranquil atmosphere that enhances the beauty of Vivaldi’s music.
Candlelight concerts, organised by Fever, have become a global phenomenon, known for their unique blend of music, ambiance, and location. These concerts aim to democratise access to classical music by offering performances in iconic venues, illuminated by thousands of candles. The result is a multi-sensory experience that captivates audiences and creates lasting memories.