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As Bahrain celebrates a successful series of Spring of Culture events the kingdom’s Gulf neighbours have also been attracting visitors from across the region to spectacular shows featuring global stars from the world of music and arts.
Scores of travellers took a short break to watch Maxim Vengerov, widely-regarded as one of the world’s most outstanding violin virtuosos, partner with Russia’s oldest symphonic ensemble – the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra – for an evening celebrating ‘Resplendent Russia’ as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Conducted by Maestro Yuri Temirkanov, the internationally-inspired repertoire delivered the distinctive works of Tchaikovsky and Rossini to a full house in the Emirates Palace Auditorium.
Opening with the rousing Overture from opera The Barber of Seville by Rossini, the rapturous audience were then transported on a journey through Tchaikovsky’s classical greats.
UN Goodwill Ambassador Vengerov joined the orchestra as soloist for a soulful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving Violin Concerto in D. The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra brought the evening to a close with Tchaikovsky’s stunning Symphony No. 4 in F minor.
The festival’s artistic director and founder Hoda I Al Khamis Kanoo said: "I am sure I speak for the whole audience in saying that the music combined with the skill and precision of the musicians was truly mesmerising."
During his visit, Vengerov took on a teaching role and interacted with local students through an educational initiative entitled ‘Back to School with Mubadala’ that takes visiting performers into schools and community centres across Abu Dhabi.
The famous Russian conductor and dynamic violinist also visited an international school and inspired students with a mini-performance and master class on playing the violin.
Other performances which have taken place during the third week of the festival included last weekend’s show featuring oud master Nasser Shamma and The Global Music Ensemble.
Running until April 6, the Abu Dhabi Festival is currently enjoying its ninth series – bringing together a programme that spans the full spectrum of arts and culture. For further information and details of the programme visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
