Abu Dhabi Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Music and Culture

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Classical music lovers and culture enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable journey! The Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 returns on February 7 with the inspiring theme, “Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony.” This year’s edition promises to be more spectacular than ever, featuring extraordinary performances that celebrate the arts and mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan.

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Opening Night: A Cultural Powerhouse

The New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Yutaka Sado, opens the festival. Sharing the stage with them are Grammy-nominated vocalist Jonathan Tetelman, who has received international acclaim, and pianist Kyohei Sorita, a first-prize winner at the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. This two-day performance on February 7 and 8 serves as a prelude to the upcoming cultural extravaganza.

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Adding a spiritual touch to the season, Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy will revive the tradition of Inshad spiritual chanting during Ramadan, blending faith and art in a deeply moving performance.

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Diverse Highlights: Music, Dance, and More

From stunning piano duets to operatic grandeur, the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 offers something for everyone:

• KODO – Japanese Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble: A vibrant display of traditional Japanese drumming.
• Yunchan Lim: The virtuoso pianist will perform Bach’s iconic Goldberg Variations.
• Kuniko Kato: The renowned percussionist will perform with an unmatched level of skill.
• The Labèque Sisters: A talented piano duet renowned for their coordinated and expressive performances.
• Opera Gala: With Toufic Maatouk conducting the Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra, featuring Jessica Pratt and Javier Camarena.

• Augustin Hadelich: The dazzling violinist will perform works by Bach and others.
• All-Star Ballet Gala: Six of the world’s most acclaimed dancers come together for a breathtaking performance.

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Rising and Established Stars

The festival will also showcase talented musicians who are making waves globally:

• Riley Mulherkar: A gifted trumpeter whose soulful rhythms will captivate the audience.
• Kian Soltani, Yamen Saadi, Sara Ferrández, and Pablo Ferrández: A quartet of virtuosic talents connecting the world’s most prestigious stages.
• Korean National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra: Conducted by Chi-Yong Chung, presenting a programme featuring Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

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Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

From the rhythmic energy of KODO’s Taiko drumming to the delicate mastery of Yunchan Lim’s piano, the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 is a celebration of artistic excellence. It is more than a festival—it is a bridge connecting cultures and traditions, offering audiences an unparalleled experience of music, dance, and performance.

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Event Details

Dates: February 7 – April 29, 2025

Theme: Abu Dhabi – A World of Harmony

Opening Night: New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra with Yutaka Sado, Jonathan Tetelman, and Kyohei Sorita (February 7–8)