Following two weeks of stunning performances, a contemporary Arab art exhibition and more than 50 educational and community events, the 6th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival took its final curtain call on Thursday 2nd April. In its most successful year to date, the Festival attracted more than 25,000 people to its events. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), a cultural pioneer in the UAE, the 6th annual festival was held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In a programme which included a spectacular opera gala opening night by Angela Gheorghiu and Jonas Kaufmann, three outstanding performances by the world famous Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, as well as an outdoor concert by the world’s biggest selling solo classical artist Andrea Bocelli and an evening spectacular by legendary Lebanese singer Magida El Roumi, in addition to a number of other highly acclaimed artists, the line-up was as impressive as it was diverse.
Education lies at the heart of the Festival and this year’s educational programme, led by cellist sensation Matthew Barley, featured a spectacular Children’s Day performance, where talented students from across Abu Dhabi performed an original composition entitled “Rihla” or “Journey”, following a week of musical improvisation workshops. ‘Angelina’s Star Performance’, a ballet created especially for a young audience and performed by the English National Ballet, was another resounding success drawing packed audiences of enthusiastic children. Equally successful were the Live Music Now! workshops in various venues across Abu Dhabi for children with special needs.
The sixth year was also a landmark year for the Festival as, for the first time, the Festival took on the theme of ‘Bilad Al-Khair’, which adds a vibrant community programme to the line-up of performances and educational events. Inspiring the theme is the name given to the UAE amongst its citizens – Bilad Al-Khair, which means the land of blessing, owing to its just leadership, secure citizens, and natural resources. Fundamental to a secure citizen is a distinguished education, cultural sensitivity and respect in order to sow tolerance and compassion. Now each year, the Festival commemorates the spirit of Bilad Al-Khair by bringing together leading cultural organisations and community groups from across the UAE to celebrate their efforts in benefiting society and highlight UAE’s own burgeoning cultural scene.
Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and the Festival, adds:“It has been the most wonderful privilege to see the world’s greatest classical artists perform here in Abu Dhabi. In audience figures alone the 6th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival has been the most successful to date – with more than 25,000 people attending events during the last two weeks.
“As I set out just before the Festival started, developing culture from within the UAE is a founding principle of ADMAF and we hope the last two weeks have helped inspire the next generation to great artistic achievement and appreciation. We are proud that the Festival and our year-round programme of events and educational activities contribute to educating and inspiring UAE students, audiences and local artists alike.
“Finally I would like to extend a huge thank you to our title sponsor the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. As we look towards the 7th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival our commitment remains to grow this festival into the finest in the Middle East.”
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation has played a pioneering role in establishing the country’s first and now premium cultural event. Held for the sixth year in a row, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival aims at complementing Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a cultural hub in the region.
