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Abu Dhabi Classics 2015-2016

Abu Dhabi - One of classical music's greatest stars, the Argentinian/Swiss pianist Martha Argerich, together with violin virtuoso Gidon Kremer and his Baltic string ensemble, Kremerata Baltica will debut in the Gulf region in February.

In January, Abu Dhabi will host the rising ensemble of the Iberian Peninsula, the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia with two concerts, including Gustav Mahler's impressive sixth Symphony and Manuel de Falla's symphonic homage to his country's Hispano-Arabic past, 'The Nights in the Gardens of Spain'.
One of classical music's greatest stars, the Argentinian/Swiss pianist Martha Argerich, together with violin virtuoso Gidon Kremer and his Baltic string ensemble, Kremerata Baltica will debut in the Gulf region in February. 
Souq Al Qattara
Until May 30, Souk Al Qattara, Al Ain
The historic Souq Al Qattara has been renovated and re-opened.
A traditional handicrafts market will take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until May, encouraging local families to preserve and promote Abu Dhabi's heritage through an active production of traditional handicraft. The Souq is linked to the redeveloped Al Qattara Fort, now home to a popular arts centre, featuring hundreds of modern exhibits, workshops, a cafe and a library. 
Elegance in Nature
Until January 17, From 12.30 pm to 7 pm, Emirates Palace
The event features four Europe-based artists Maurizio Bottoni, Carlo Ferrari, Carlo Gui, and Roshana Khalilian, displaying their latest works.
Maurizio Bottoni is a master of realistic paintings, who follows the techniques of the ancient masters. Carlo Ferrari, a photorealistic painter dedicates his work to flowers represented in all their beauty and sensuality using red and white colours. Vittorio Gui is an Italian photographer who works on the theme of flowers, and Roshana Khalilian is a refined and elegant painter, who creates art using oil paint and real gold. While the three Italian artists display floral art, the Iranian-born Swiss artist, Roshana Khalilian shows in her abstract work the human nature and its emotions. 
Sinfónica de Galicia: Mahler 6
January 13 , Emirates Palace
For the beginning of the year 2016, the season will present Sinfónica de Galicia, present-day leading Spanish orchestra, but also a musical ensemble that has dedicated an important share of its Symphonic work to the compositions of Gustav Mahler. For its first appearance in the Arab world, Sinfónica de Galicia with the help of the Orquesta Joven de la Sinfónica de Galicia has therefore chosen the central piece of Mahler's Symphonic Oeuvre, the 6th Symphony. 
Sinfónica de Galicia: Nights in the Gardens of Spain
January 14, Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain
For its second concert in the UAE, the amazing Sinfónica de Galicia will be playing at the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. Next to featuring works of the core German romantic repertoire (Richard Wagner's Prelude and Liebestod from the Music Drama Tristan and Isolde) and Johannes Brahms last symphonic masterpiece, the 4th Symphony, the evening is dedicated to the Nights in the Gardens of Spain written between 1909 and 1916 by Spanish Composer Manuel de Falla.
The symphonic poem is divided into three parts, depicting each one a Garden in Al-Andalus, thereby already announcing the Hispano-Arabic theme of the work: En el Generalife (In the Generalife), Danza lejana (A Distant Dance), En los jardines de la Sierra de Córdoba (In the Gardens of the Sierra de Córdoba).
Strongly influenced by French composer Claude Debussy, Falla's symphonic works are trying to reconcile the musical impressionism he had discovered in France with traditional Spanish folklore music. 
Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Until January 2, Zayed Sports City
The 8th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) brings together six of the world's top men's players in a three-day competition.
The two first players include the 14-time major champion Rafael Nadal alongside superstar newcomer Milos Raonic.
The MWTC promises three days of world-class action, on and off the court, with epic on-court battles, fun for the whole family in the Tennis Village, daily player autograph sessions, star player clinics and much more. Sell-out crowds are expected for all three days so book your tickets early! 
The 7th Art
Until January 24, Manarat Al Saadiyat
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority is launching a series of screenings exploring the history of film and its relationship with other art forms.
The '7th Art' screening series is part of TCA's ongoing cultural programme dedicated to developing awareness and understanding of art and culture. The title comes from the phrase coined by Italian theoretician Ricciotta Canudo that described film as a synthesis of three rhythmic arts (music, dance and poetry) and three plastic arts (painting, sculpture and architecture). Cinema became known as the '7th Art'.
The programme is being curated by film historian and veteran curator Peter Scarlet, who will also host the film presentations and lead audience Q&As and discussions following the screenings. Screenings will be held every other Sunday at Manarat Al Saadiyat until January 24.
Schedule of presentations:
January 10: Story of Film, episodes (European New Wave 1960s & New Directors, New Form 1960s)
January 24: Picasso and Braque Go To The Movies and Ballet Mécanique (Cubism)
Emirati Expressions: Conventions of Arts
Until March 31, Saadiyat Cultural District
The 4th edition of Emirati Expressions features works by 15 Emirati artists alongside an exciting public programme of talks, workshops and publications.
Emirati Expressions is a biannual exhibition that presents a variety of artistic and cultural expressions by Emirati artists. The exhibitions provide space for Emirati artists to question and reflect on their artistic language.
Artworks will include wearable textiles, photography, furniture design, interactive video installations, paintings, illustrations, large-scale sculptures, and a live studio where artists will be working throughout the exhibition. 
Bawabat Al Sharq Wedding Show
January 5 to 9, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi
The event is a platform for brides and grooms to shop for their big day. Witnessing a fabulous collection of renowned brands, designers and fashion show, the event will showcase a range of dresses, gowns, jewellery, party wear, accessories, luxurious spa and venues.
The five-day show is designed to cater to all luxurious needs of a perfect wedding event and bring glamour and fashion under one roof. 
National Day Group Exhibition
Until January 2, National Theatre, Abu Dhabi
The exhibition at the National Theatre building will display artworks that reflect the UAE, either by images or colours used in traditional paintings, digital paintings, photographs, mixed media artworks and sculptures.