Abu Dhabi Festival 2013 Treats Audiences To A Musical Masterpiece Commissioned For 10th Anniversary
Czech Philharmonic to Perform Franco-Lebanese Composer Bechara El-Khoury’s ’Poeme Orientale’ March 26 at Special Festival Gala
Audiences at the landmark 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF), the annual four-week cultural programme that sees the world’s most prominent artists and musicians perform in the UAE capital, will have a rare opportunity to witness a live performance of an original piece of music never before heard anywhere in the world.
On the evening of March 26, the Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Jiri Belohavek, will perform the world premiere of renowned Franco-Lebanese composer Bechara El-Khoury’s work ‘Poème Orientale,’ commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Festival in celebration of its 10th year.
‘Poème Orientale’ will be presented in a double Festival Gala programme that will also see acclaimed Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel perform popular opera arias and traditional Welsh songs, accompanied by rising star Viktoria Yastrebova.
Her Excellency Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The commission recognizes the talent of a distinguished Arab composer who is internationally renowned for his distinctive, evocative work. Bechara El-Khoury epitomizes the spirit that drives the festival year on year to highlight how integral music and the arts are to our lives. Furthermore, Mr. El-Khoury’s vision, determination and profound devotion to his art are a model for young musicians across the region today, and provide an inspiring and uplifting example for all audiences. ‘Poème Orientale’ truly caps off the ’Decade of Distinction’ that we are celebrating in 2013.”
Beirut-born Bechara El-Khoury’s catalogue includes some 90 works that have been performed in prominent venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Barbican, Cairo Opera House, and the Aspen Festival. As a child, he was widely recognized as a prodigy, quickly becoming a composer, pianist, conductor, chorus-master and poet. He first began to compose symphonic, choral and orchestral pieces as Kapellmeister of St. Elias Church, and in 1979, he left Beirut for Paris to study under French composer Pierre Petit.
Since his rise to fame with his 1985 symphony ’The Ruins of Beirut,’ which evoked memories of the Lebanese Civil War, El-Khoury’s work has been performed and recorded by some of Europe’s most prominent symphonies, including the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), Orchestre National de France, and the Kammerakademie Potsdam. He has released six recordings with international classical music label NAXOS, and his music is published by Editions Max Eschig, Durand and Alphonse Leduc.
Ticket sales
Purchase points include http://www.timeouttickets.com/abudhabifestival, the Abu Dhabi Festival Box Office at the Emirates Palace is open from 1pm – 7pm daily. For further details, call the Abu Dhabi Festival info hotline number +971 50 907 6158.
Throughout the duration, Students may benefit from a 50% discount upon presentation of valid student ID at the Abu Dhabi Festival Box Office at Emirates Palace or through www.timeouttickets.com/abudhabifestival.
For further information and details of the Abu Dhabi Festival, ‘like’ us on Facebook and ‘follow’ us on Twitter, or visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
Emirate: Abu Dhabi
Date: Feb 3, 2013
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