Today's Edition
TALAH TURK (ABU DHABI)
The spotlight shone bright on the world-renowned Dutch maestro, Andre Rieu, as he led his Johann Strauss Orchestra through an unforgettable performance at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event, which sold its initial 10,000 tickets, became the highest-selling classical concert in the history of the UAE as organisers added 2,000 tickets to meet the unprecedented demand.
The 74-year-old violinist made a grand entrance with his musicians, dressed in extravagant gowns and suits, while warmly greeting the ecstatic crowd. The night, which was initially announced months earlier, was filled with emotional highs and lows, with audience members moved to tears, stitches of laughter, and sheer awe at the extraordinary talents on display.
The energy in the stadium was palpable as Rieu guided his 60-piece orchestra through a diverse selection, spanning classical masterpieces, show tunes, and selections from iconic movie soundtracks, operas, and musicals. The audience could not help but join in and couples did not shy away from filling the aisles as they waltzed away to their favourite classics.
In between performances, Rieu captivated the audience with his storytelling, offering personal introductions to the soloists and sharing the heartfelt reasons behind each selection in the programme. Among the standout performers was 15-year-old Emma Kok, winner of the Netherland’s Voice Kids, who received a standing ovation for her emotional performance. Rieu’s dedication to helping her fulfil her dream of becoming a singer touched the hearts of all in attendance.
Performances took the audience on a journey across the globe as singers sang in different languages with matching artwork in the background transporting spectators to Greece, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
One of the evening’s highlights was a song from the Phantom of Opera that proved to be a crowd favourite as it captivated all those in the venue for the duration of the performance.
As the night came to a close, Rieu expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the production, from the light and sound specialists to the chefs and caterers who kept the musicians fuelled and ready to perform. His message of keeping faith in the power of music resonated throughout the stadium, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for the art form and the incredible talents on display.
Speaking about doing things with love, Rieu told the audience that he picks the songs with his heart, not his head, because “when you choose with your heart, you touch other people’s hearts”. Something that is certainly not hard for a man surrounded by an orchestra which has been performing side by side for the past 36 years making 16 nationalities feel like one big happy family.
In addition to Rieu, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a series of remarkable classical performances set to take place during Abu Dhabi Classics 2024, presented by Abu Dhabi Culture. With additional performances set to be announced in due course, Abu Dhabi Classics is taking place throughout the year, presenting a selection of leading international artists.
The first series of concerts will feature classical performances ranging from chamber music to film scores as well as family-friendly showcases from world-renowned artists for visitors of all ages.
May 16 and 17 will see Abu Dhabi Classics introduce family concerts, starting with “Family concert: DuoCalva” at Manarat Al Saadiyat, where musicians are invited to perform in a family-friendly environment while offering truly high-quality artistic performances. DuoCalva, an association of two cellists and former top orchestra musicians, will give a performance that combines classical music and comedy, making the music accessible even for younger generations.
“Vikingur Olafsson: Solo Piano Recital” will take place at Cultural Foundation on May 28, where Icelandic pianist Olafsson, will take the stage for the first time in the UAE, performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations, a piece considered as the most splendid and challenging for a pianist to perform.
Fast forward to September, the “Lucerne Festival Quintet with Alexander Malofeev” will mesmerise audiences on the 18th and 19th at Manarat Al Saadiyat, as the highly acclaimed Russian pianist and composer performs his first concert in the region.
Characterised by his technical brilliance, expressive interpretations and deep emotional connection to the music, he will be joined by four musicians of the prestigious Lucerne Festival Orchestra to perform Schubert’s famous trout quintet as well as other pieces from the romantic period.
Finally, on November 7 and 8, the oldest classical orchestra of South Korea and one of Asia’s leading orchestras, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will have their debut performance in Abu Dhabi. Performing at Emirates Palace with star conductor, Jaap van Zweden, the programme includes Shostakovich’s splendid 5th Symphony in D Minor, and will be joined by star violinist, Sarah Chang, to perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor.
Abu Dhabi Classics is presented by Abu Dhabi Culture and underpins DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to bolster the Emirate’s position as a UNESCO-designated “City of Music”. This year’s edition features some of the most celebrated artists in the world of classical music, with additional globally acclaimed performances set to be announced.
With input from WAM
