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Ode to joy

Classical music takes centre stage at Abu Dhabi Festival concert

THE EMIRATES PALACE was the scene of one some truly unique performances last week with Gustavo Dudamel & The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela winning the hearts of an enthralled Abu Dhabi audience.

Masterful performances of works by Tchaikovsky and Beethoven as well as a crowd-pleasing signature encore bursting with Latin-American rhythms rendered the capital’s audience awe-struck.

The concert took place as a part of the The Abu Dhabi Festival and also included a performance by three Emirati soloists, Khawla Al Raihy, Mira Ghobash and Umaima Al Shunnar, accompanied by fellow members of the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by its founder Riad Kudsi. Some of the UAE’s brightest and youngest talent delighted the audience and gave a very special national context to the evening.

Playing a favourite repertoire, conductor Gustavo Dudamel led The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela through an epic concert that affirmed the orchestra’s position as one of the leading spectacles in international classical music.

Information on upcoming performances can be found on the festival website www.abudhabifestival.ae.