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ADMAF Plans String 
of Cultural Events 
Across the Emirates

In the wake of so many musical events, festivals and seasons happening this spring in the emirate, the six-year-old event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) on March 21 – April 2, is changing lanes for a new artistic direction.

In an exclusive interview to Khaleej Times, Hoda Khamees Kanoo, the founder of ADMAF, explained why this festival stands out.

“We are blessed to live in a beautiful country, with deep historical and cultural roots. We are also blessed to live among so many other cultures, in perfect harmony. That is why our rediscovered Bilad Al Khair festival is dedicated to all communities in the UAE,” said Kanoo.

“In all these events, we will involve local communities, which will come together to recognise one another’s efforts in building the cultural heritage of UAE,” said Kanoo.

And, for the first time in its history or that of any other such event, ADMAF will also involve these communities in its events. The festival will be celebrated across all the emirates.

For instance, storytelling will be held in Sharjah, UAE Symphonic Orchestra will perform in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah and Al Ain, including a programme specifically for children with special needs. A photography exhibition too will be held.

She explained that the festival this year — and in the years to come — is structured on three components.

“Apart from the communities’ programme, music and dance performances including art exhibitions too have been lined up,” said Kanoo.

The festival will also play host to international stars like Italy’s Andrea Bocelli, world’s largest selling tenor — clocking 65 million copies sold. He is slated to perform Emirates Palace accompanied by Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.

Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu will also perform at the venue. One of the most renowned operatic singers of the 21^st century, Gheorghiu worked for world’s top opera houses – the Metropolitan in New York, Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House and Milan’s La Scala. She will sing alongside German tenor Jonas Kaufmann, with Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, conducted by the Romanian-Austrian maestro Ion Marin.

And, with the Bolshoi Orchestra will come the legendary Bolshoi Ballet for the second consecutive year at ADMAF’s festival.

“We are getting the Bolshoi back in Abu Dhabi purely on popular demand. We got such great feedback on them last year when they performed at the Swan Lake, that we will have them perform for us this year too,” revealed Kanoo.

This time around, the Bolshoi Ballet will present one of the most influential Romantic ballets, Giselle by Adolph Adam, he said.

The festival will also feature performances by Arab artists like oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma, who will accompany the World Music Award Winner, Tunisian singer Latifa, in a concert of new songs, inspired by Andalusian music and Arabic poetry.

The event also brings something for children.

The highlight will be a performance by the English National Ballet for children of Angelina Ballerina. Several workshops and performances for and by students of various ages from across the UAE have also been planned.

silvia@khaleejtiems.com

• UAE