ADTA 5th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival to feature premieres from both Arab and Western worlds

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the ADTA 5th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival will take place in the UAE capital from the 22nd March till 2nd of April 2008, at the Emirates Palace Hotel. The Annual Festival was founded in 2002 by Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF).

ADMAF recently signed an agreement with IMG Artists, the worlds leading Performance Arts Management Company, to collaborate on bringing the renowned stars to the UAE. Due to this partnership, global awareness of the ADTA 5th Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Festival is set to break its own record this year, by reaching as far as the US, UK, Germany, France and Italy. 12 events by artists of the highest caliber, with both Western and Eastern musical backgrounds, will be brought together in a celebration of concerts, collaborative works and art symposiums.

H. E. Hoda Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and the annual Festival says, "I truly believe that culture benefits society in more ways than we are aware. I have always envisioned Abu Dhabi as a Middle East centre for worldwide culture". The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival is certain to move towards this evolution.

The ADTA 5th Festival commences on Saturday 15th of March at the Cultural Foundation Main Auditorium. Students will participate and will have the privilege of performing with cellist Matthew Barley and pianist Julian Joseph. "Education is dear to my heart and remains at the centre of ADMAF's core. This Children's Day encourages both national and expatriate children to nurture their talents as well as offering them the opportunity to perform to an international standard. We at ADMAF have pioneered this educational program as we believe that art provides a key role in free creative thinking," says H.E. Hoda Kanoo.

Also, as a part of its educational mission, the Festival will host a symposium of 20 lectures, demonstrations, workshops and awards, including artist dialogues with local students and the public. An exhibition by Tunisian painter Nja Mahdaoui will take place between 22nd March and 2nd April, adding more variety and sophistication to the festival.

This year's Festival will host western concert stage icons, along with contemporary Arab artists.

On the opening evening, 22nd March, there will be a spectacular performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by principal conductor Vladimir Jurowski and featuring violinist Nicolaj Znaider.

On 23rd March, the London Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The following day, the Festival will host singers Khaled Selim and Asmma Almonaoar, accompanied by conductor Saeed Kamal.

The first cast Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra, conducted by Pavel Sorokin, will perform Swan Lake on both the 26th and 27th March.

An Opera Gala will take place on 29th March, featuring the world famous soprano Anna Netrebko, mezzo soprano Elina Garança and bass baritone Erwin Schrott; the Gala will also include the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra conducted by Alexander Vedernikov.

Further performances will include acts by violinist Sarah Chang along with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Karel Mark Chichon on 31st March and oud player Naseer Shamma with a 60 piece Oriental Orchestra on 1st April.

The exciting festival program will end with a finale by soprano and composer Hiba Al Kawas, guitarist José Maria Gallardo del Rey and Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra conducted by Wojciech Czepiel on 2nd April.

Due to the invaluable government support for this landmark event, tickets are reasonably priced.

Supporting partners of the ADTA 5th Abu Dhabi Music and Arts festival are Mubadala, Dolphin Energy, Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. Etihad is the Festival official airline and Chopard is the luxury Goods Sponsor of the festival.