Bollywood Dancing and a FREE Party in the Park — Abu Dhabi Festival is Here!
An explosion of colours, music and free fun is coming to the capital as Abu Dhabi Festival launches a monthlong series of events you don’t want to miss. From famed Bollywood dance workshops to renowned classical orchestras, there’s sooo much to experience during this year’s celebrations. Here we go!
Must-see events at Abu Dhabi Festival 2018
Running from March 8 to March 30, the 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival will feature more than 100 events and 500 international artists. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, the festival is showcasing the best of film, music, theatre, dance and visual arts, with a special spotlight on India, this year’s ‘Country of Honour’. Here are a few highlights to check out…
1. The Merchants of Bollywood
What’s on: Experience the world’s most prolific film industry through dance at The Merchants of Bollywood, a theatrical production with a huge cast, vibrant costumes, choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant, and score by award-winning duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant. The show has been praised by everyone from Salman Khan to Priyanka Chopra, so expect nothing short of magic when the famed dance troupe hits the stage.
Location: Emirates Palace Auditorium
When: Thursday 8 March | Friday 9 March at 8pm
Tickets: Diamond is AED 350, Gold is AED 250, Silver is AED 175, Bronze is AED 125 (50% discount for students)
2. Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia
What’s on: Sir Antonio Pappano, one of Europe’s most dynamic conductors, will be leading the acclaimed Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia with two spectacular musical evenings. Night one features Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Beatrice Rana, while night two features Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Kyung Wha Chung,one of the greatest violinists of her generation. Classical music lovers, this one’s for you!
Location: Emirates Palace Auditorium
When: Sunday 11 March | Monday 12 March 8pm
Tickets: Diamond is AED 350, Gold is AED 250, Silver is AED 175 (50% discount for students)
3. We the Living
What’s on: We the Living by the Tanusree Shankar Dance Company is an interpretation of Sufi poet Rumi’s ‘Human Being’, brought vividly to life through the expressive art form of Indian dance. One of the country’s most celebrated choreographers Tanusree Shankar is set to lead this entrancing production – don’t miss this one.
Location: Emirates Palace Auditorium
When: Monday 19 March at 8pm
Tickets: General admission is AED 200 (50% discount for students)
4. Festival in the Park
What’s on: Abu Dhabi Fest hosting two nights of live performances and workshops at Umm Al Emarat Park. On Thursday, learn the best of Bollywood dance in a workshop with choreographer Gilles Chuyen, before The Raghu Dixit Project takes the stage. Friday will feature two pioneering Arab musicians; multimedia artist Zahed Sultan presents his latest work before Egypt’s marimba queen Nesma Abdel Aziz performs. Did we mention that entry is FREE?!
Location: Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday 22 | Friday 23 March from 4pm-10pm
Tickets: FREE entry
For more details and bookings, visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
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