Page 24 - Time Out Abu Dhabi

Quick

Guide

Abu Dhabi
Festival

Luke Wilson offers his highlights of the 15th edition of the capital’s cultural jamboree

or many years now Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Music & Arts different. This year’s festivities
has proudly stood as a cultural Foundation’s labour of love. will celebrate the 100th
powerhouse not only in the UAE but The debut performance that anniversary of the birth of the
F the Middle East as a whole. 2017 year came from the Syrian/ Arts and UAE’s founding father, Sheikh
proved a watershed year, not least because of French concert pianist Racha Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
the eagerly awaited opening of the Louvre Abu Arodaky who was joined on culture are The organisers say: “Following
Dhabi that conormed the capital’s status as the stage by revered Canadian Sheikh Zayed’s vision, we believe
an artistic force to be reckoned with. cellist Gary Hoffman. Since at the heart arts and culture are at the heart
The Abu Dhabi Festival is looking to tap that opening act, ADF has of the nation. They support
into that piqued interest in the arts, bringing attracted dozens more from of the nation tolerance and co-existence, are
an entertaining, multidisciplinary cultural across the world, including the means to further the nation’s
celebration to the city once more. So what’s it legendary tenors José pioneering spirit.”
all about? Let us enlighten you... Carreras and Plácido Domingo.
Bring the music...
In the beginning... 2018: The “Year of Zayed” 3The highlights of this year’s musical line-
1The festival orst appeared on the capital’s 2Since 2010, each festival has had a up are too numerous to mention (this is a
cultural calendar in 2004, the fruits of the specioc theme – and the 15th edition is no “Quick” guide after all) but we especially like
24 January 31 – February 6 2018 timeoutabudhabi.com