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Abu Dhabi Classics Kicks Off With Performance By New York Philharmonic Orchestra |
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The New York Philharmonic Orchestra marked its first live performance in the Arab World Friday night in the gala opening concert of the second season of Abu Dhabi Classics organised by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) from October 23 till next May. Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of (ADACH), said in a statement "Since 2006, with the founding of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, the capital of the UAE has gained cultural momentum. Abu Dhabi is turning into an important global forum for arts and culture, within the framework of the strategy set to transform Abu Dhabi into a cultural renaissance centre". The strategy works to launch leading artistic projects and aims to preserve the ancient cultural heritage of the UAE, along with the strengthening of activities that encourage openness to all cultures and to the dialogue of people and civilisations. "Music is distinct from other arts; it builds bridges between cultures, generations and people. It addresses all human beings, without exception, in one language." Al Mazrouei said. "In the context of its cultural strategy (2008-2012), Abu Dhabi is launching the project "Abu Dhabi Classics" to assure the world that we are able to promote cultural creativity and facilitate encounters of world civilizations, the way Andalusia had reflected in the most beautiful expression" ha added. Al Mazrouei stressed that our Arab heritage is filled with musical achievements that have contributed to world civilization and played an undeniably significant role in the history of world music. The music that the Arabs transferred to Andalusia continues to be effective and influential in Europe until today. "A long list of top classical musicians was brought to the visitors and public of Abu Dhabi and the UAE during the first Abu Dhabi Classics season (2008 - 2009). The list for the second season (October 2009 - May 2010) is eagerly awaited. Through this high-level musical event, which represents a large step towards globalism, distinguished world-class performers come to the cities of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi" he said. ""Abu Dhabi Classics" reflects our belief in the importance of music as an integral part of the culture of any society, showing how Arab culture - rich with various trends of knowledge and arts - can engage in dialogue with the masterpieces of world music" Al Mazrouei added. In the first half of the gala opening concert, one of the world’s best-loved keyboard artists, Emanuel Ax, featured in Beethoven’s sublime Fourth Piano Concerto. The orchestra’s new music director, young American maestro Alan Gilbert concluded the programme with the exuberant and richly melodious First Symphony by Gustav Mahler, performed by the very orchestra Mahler himself conducted a century ago. Saturday morning was time for The New York Philharmonic’s young people’s concert. It was Leonard Bernstein in the 1950s that inaugurated the New York Philharmonic’s pioneering series of televised "Young People’s Concerts" and introduced a whole generation of American children (and their parents) to the joy of great music. Bernstein’s remarkable tradition of communicating his love and understanding of the classics was carried forward in Abu Dhabi by "his" orchestra. It is treating for all ages. Friday evening was an exceptional night in Al Ain when the New York Philharmonic performed in Al Ain’s beautiful Al Jahili Fort, one of the oldest historical buildings in Al Ain which was reopened last December to host different cultural activities. Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic joined by the great German virtuoso Frank Peter Zimmermann for Brahms’s gloriously lyrical Violin Concerto. After the intermission, Gilbert and the orchestra performed Beethoven’s intoxicating Seventh Symphony.
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