World-renowned French opera singer Natalie Dessay will be opening the main program of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Festival, which will take place between April 3-30, in her first-ever performance in the Middle East.
In line with the festival's country of honor this year, which is France, the acclaimed soprano will perform "exquisite, quintessentially French songs" with renowned French baritone Laurent Naouri on April 10, according to the festival's official website .
Alongside Polish pianist Maciej Pikulski, the two celebrated singers will take the stage of the Emirates Palace Auditorium to tackle some of the greatest French composers of all time, including Fauré, Duparc, Poulenc and Delibes.
However, Dessay isn't the only classical music superstar gracing the stage in Abu Dhabi this year. The 13th edition of the festival will also feature world-renowned Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang who's performing on April 14, and the Orchestra de Paris who are also paying tribute to France on April 15 and 17.
Other highlights include The Little Prince, a critically acclaimed orchestral concert performance of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella which is taking place on April 21 and 22, as well as April 27's performance by acclaimed Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander, who at 12 years old is considered a sensational child prodigy worldwide.
In addition to the concerts of the world's leading classical music performers, the festival's more than 100 events will encompass community-centered cultural events across the UAE.
In line with this year's "Pledge For Culture" theme, these will include workshops and storytelling sessions at Mushrif Park and activities exclusive to young people organized by the Ministry of Science and the UAE Theater School.
The Abu Dhabi Festival is the UAE's biggest classical arts event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that works on advancing arts and culture in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
The event focuses on cross-cultural exchanges between acclaimed artists from around the world and the UAE's youth, in an effort to further innovation and establish an international hub for the arts in Abu Dhabi.