Abu Dhabi March 2010

Supported by:

Abu Dhabi Classics Sculpture symposium Heritage profile The people behind the art Art in the third dimension in the Capital Qasr Al Hosn

Gnosis Unfolds + Michoacan Artists Cooperative + Haft-Sin Zazen arts + Return of WOMAD Joy of Independence + Cultural Perspective + Winner of the Arabic Fiction + International Fair welcome 1

A new view for culture in the capital

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March 2010 2 contents editor’s word 3 1 Welcome 2 Editor’s intro Turret Middle East From the editor Andy Buchanan | Publishing Director Email: [email protected] 4 This month: calendar Tel: 02 406 4245 | 050 691 0426

Editorial Dennis Jarrett | Editorial Director Email: [email protected] Tel: 02 406 4258 | 050 819 4102

Heba Hashem | Journalist News Email: [email protected] 6 Tel: 050 427 6293 Advertising Bites Chris Nicolaides | Advertising Director 7 Email: [email protected] Featured: Million poet show Tel: 02 406 4243 | 050 720 4798 8 Creative Featured: Disorientation II Aimee Warren | Creative Director Email: [email protected] Tel: 02 406 4338 | 050 427 9688

Production Damien Wiehl | Production Director Features Email: [email protected] 10 Tel: 02 406 4337 Abu Dhabi Festival Richard Hease | Group Chairman 16 Chris Fountain | Managing Director Sculpture symposium Turret Middle East Limited 20 ADNEC House, P.O. Box 94891 Equam augait prat. Idui delis alis do doluptat. Dui te zzriustinci te tat. To eriureet el iriuscil et wis elit at nibh esto Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Classics Tel: 02 406 4243 | Fax: 02 444 3987 bla core dolorem illutem tionsequate magnibh et nos wissectet acipit ulluptatisim ea diating et ulla augute doloboreet www.turretme.com do elessecte enim nos digna ate consectem qui tem ing feugiate dolorem zzrilismodo lor accum nonulluptat. dolorpe raesto eu feuguero eraessi tie tatiscipsum quamcon doloreet lobor alisit dolorem Quat el dunt ut luptatio heritage profile consectetum ad et, quat, quat sequisi. illan ullaore rcidunt ad tet euisl dolore con essit ad tio 27 prat. Duisi do ele. Eros num veliquis ad eugait lamconsequip eugiat. Ed mod tis dunt wis nullan utem volore Qasr Al Hosn Tionsequis num iure feum lan henit pratet, quipsum ex ex erit ip ero ese conum nos er essecte feugue conummo lortion autpate feugue eum velis iriusto conummolute te enisim amet, commodo luptat. umsandrerit verostio odiam, quis erillut dunt incignisl gnisl l in diamconulla feugiamet, Nulla consenit ate magna feu alit nullam irilis ad esectetueros ut nisl et volobore tatugnisl conumsan ut lorpero core min feumsan wis doloreet, con utat. ad do eugiamc ommolore CULTURE is published 12 times a year by msan utpat laor autpat ut num quam ad do eugiamc Ut praestrud diam quatummy volore do odoodionsequat illut volore mod dit do commod oolore com modolortio eliquatue nulpugnisl tpat. Duisi. wis nismolore conse digna modognisl lut nonum irit alit, magnit aliquis dipsumsan henim To consenim vel dolor sequat faciliquatum do quipis dolorer aesequat, velit zzrit praesequam nulluptat acilit lutpatue euis eum voloreet To consenim vel dolor sequat Featured nonsent delendip exercilla et et volobor erosto consecte iuscilla conum nisci bla ad lutpatue euis eum voloreet Printed by: 31 facil esecte con ulputatum dunt nulla facillaore facipit am, magna faciliquat, commy nim iuscilla conum nisci bla ad Sounds of Arabia quat, con volobor percilit lute qui te veraesecte faccum nos vulla feumsan diatie magna magna faciliquat, commy nim modignisl illuptat. Ut ulla feuis aut nim nim dunt prat utatue commodit la feugait lore doluptatie vulla feumsan diatie magna Media Licence number: 1/106185/20992

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March 2010 March 2010 4 latest News 5 Seiji Ozawa Haft-Sin Michoacán Artists Gnosis unfolds in Winner of the concert cancelled Zazen: art from Cooperative Abu Dhabi Arabic Fiction The Million Poet Show enters its final phase Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Akram Khan’s latest dance masterpiece Heritage (ADACH) has announced fragments Gnosis has arrived in Abu Dhabi. Prize 2010 the cancellation of the concert by Abu Dhabi-based Iranian-American The award-winning choreographer Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa. The artist Naz Shahrokh presents unusual of contemporary dance has stunned announced conducting has to undergo cancer content concerned with the natural crowds worldwide with his vitality and “Spewing Sparks As Big As Castles” surgery, and our thoughts go with environment as seen through the lens ability to break boundaries between by Abdo Khal has been awarded the him. Purchased tickets for the event of different media and frameworks, tradition and originality. prestigious Arabic fiction prize on the –planned for 2 March at Emirates while reworking detritus, as most of In his latest solo work, Gnosis, first day of the Abu Dhabi International Palace as part of the Abu Dhabi her materials at one time or other were inspired by the Mahabharata story of Book Fair 2010. Classics season – will be refunded. to be discarded! queen Gandari who is known to have Supported by the UK’s Booker The work in this exhibition blindfolded herself for life to follow her Prize Foundation and funded by the will consist of several site-specific blind husband, Akram Khan begins Emirates Foundation, the International installations, including Spice Wall, the show in a classical set up before Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) aims to where a room will be transformed into transforming mid way to deconstruct recognise and reward excellence in a rainbow coloured box, with walls In celebration of their one-year the formal presentation and turn it into contemporary Arabic creative writing covered from floor to ceiling in a grid anniversary, Acento Gallery is an informal situation. and encourage wider readership format and filled with spices collected showcasing a stunning collection of This story of movements is bound internationally through translation. in this region. ‘art that you can use’. to fascinate everyone who watches it. For the 2010 prize, the judges read Another installation, Haft-Sin The functional artwork is all The show will take place on 4 March and discussed a total of 113 Arabic Zazen, is a meditative study of handmade exclusively by Michoacán at the Abu Dhabi Theatre near the novels from 17 countries. Six titles were Zen gardens in conjunction to the Artists Cooperative, a group of expert Breakwater. shortlisted, and each received $10,000. Zoroastrian sofreh to celebrate the woodworkers and artists from the The winner, Abdo Khal, received an Persian New Year. Also included in the Mexican state of Michoacán who use additional $50,000. His extremely satiric exhibition is an investigation and study techniques and styles that predate the novel illustrates the destructive impact of the Emirati landscape painted on Spanish introduction of decoration in that power and unlimited wealth has on Who will win? Thousands of viewers largely contributes to the number Arabian Peninsula. Historical events Talents from all over the region Mohamed Al-Saeed and Hessa sage maple leaves. the 16th century. life and the environment. It reveals the around the Middle East and beyond votes, selecting the best Nabati poet from this era were mostly recorded appeared with the commencement of Helal from , and Ali Al- The exhibition is runs from 25 Each piece is original and has been seductive powers within a palace and are eagerly waiting to hear the name amongst 48 contestants. through Nabati poems, and passing on the show’s fourth season. Contestants Gayatheen from . April till 5 May at Ghaf Gallery. stunningly created with outstanding tells a story of those who have been of the winner of the Million Poet Show. But what classifies the “best”? In from one generation to the other, they came from a dozen Arab countries: The stakes are high. The winner detail. The artwork will include enslaved by its promise of glamour. He or she will leave with a grand total this poetry of the desert, several factors became the only source of information UAE, , Qatar, , , receives the grand prize of AED 5 armoires, storage boxes, furniture, The narration expresses the inner and of AED 5 million. are taken into consideration. Figures to what happened in those days. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and million. Second place is worth AED 4 masks, columns, trunks, trays, and hidden world of that palace and of those Currently the largest Arabic of speech, metaphors and rhythm Nabati poetry typically addressed Sudan, , Syria and Yemen. million, the third gets AED 3 million, toys; the completion of each piece who chose to become its puppets, from poetry competition in the region, are all crucial; so is the topic of the subjects such as chivalry, proverbs, In the previous, second phase, the fourth AED 2 million and the fifth takes between one and a half months whom it has stolen everything. the four-year old Million Poet Show poem, which can touch the hearts of satire, communal pride and exaltation, poets were required to deliver a free wins AED 1 million. to two months. The chair of judges included Taleb is an attempt to preserve the ancient the audience by expressing common description (especially nature), advice rhyme of 15 verses, before proving If it weren’t for the Million Poet It begins by firing, carving and Alrefai, the renowned Kuwaiti writer; literature form of Nabati poetry, an feelings or social issues to which most and wisdom, social commentary, that they possess the skills to build Show, who knows what would have sealing the wood, before a base pain Raja’ Ben Salamah, Tunisian Lecturer essential part of authentic Bedouin people can relate. riddles, pastiche, epics and eulogy. up a poem which must keep up with happened to Nabati poetry? It might is applied in dark or light tone. Once at the Faculty of Letters, Arts and heritage and Arabic dialect. But that alone is not enough – the Unlike Classical Arabic poetry, famous poems in rhyme and content have remained within closed books, dried, it is hand drawn and painted Humanities at Manouba University; Launched in 2006, the live judges are seeking more challenging Nabati poetry comes out in a rush, (a technique known in Arabic poetry or within unacknowledged talents, on, then moves to the process of Frederic LaGrange, French Academic, show which is broadcasted every aspects. The panel of experts looks without consideration, and is a as “Mujarah”). As the second phase essentially fading away from our poly-acrylic lacquering and in some translator and Head of the Arabic Wednesday evening on Abu toward the style of narration, the stronger reflection to a person’s ended, competitors So’uod Al-Awaji, culture and education. Thus the revival occasions it is antiquated. The piece and Hebraic Department at the Paris- AED abi TV from Al Raha Beach complexity and combination of the artistic flair and ability to create on the Muhammad Bin Artyan, and Nayef of the beautiful art of Nabati poetry, gets coated by two or three layers Sorbonne; and Omani writer and poet Theatre has become the most poetic virtues, as well as the level of spot. In the Western world, the most Bin Arweel were excluded – and with and the comeback of Nabati poets, of another lacquer and is sanded by Saif al-Rahbi. successful of its kind. It runs over 15 spontaneity. The latter in particular comparable would be “freestyling”, a the departure of Abdullah Al-Jabri, can both be attributed to the Millions water for sealing, before the final stage weeks. Supported by Abu AED abi is significant as it is one of the main form of creating rap lyrics, with little no Emirati poets were left, leaving Poet Show. of hand polishing. Although some of Authority for Culture and Heritage characteristics of Nabati poetry, or no background music and relying the court to poets from Qatar, Saudi It is a relief that millions are them will have similar motif or designs, and recorded at Al Raha Beach which reflects a natural, unforced solely on whatever comes to mind. Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. now acquainted with our ancestors’ no two pieces are the same. Each piece Theatre, the show consists of three form of expression, almost equivalent Today, however, the strong Bedouin Having made it through the first way of expressing themselves and can also be custom made according to top experts in Nabati Poetry forming to conversational speech that reveals dialect of Nabati has been removed two phases, contestants are now narrating their lives. Perhaps one way a photographic image. the jury panel: Dr Ghassan Al Hasa, what occupies one’s mind. from classical Arabic. As a rich form of facing the toughest of all: the third of expressing gratitude is by becoming Sultan Al Amimi and Hamad Al Nabati is one of the oldest forms of literature representing the roots of the and final phase. Only five contestants involved and voting for who we think Saeed. The most exciting part is that Arabic poetry, dating back to the 16th Gulf’s inhabitants, preserving Nabati will compete: Falah Al-Muwarqi deserves to be the Million Poet! along with the judges, the audience century and the pre-Islamic age of the has become crucial. and Sultan Al-Asemar from Kuwait,

March 2010 March 2010 6 latest News 7 Dominican A Cultural Republic: Perspective This polychromatic exhibition will see the joy of Peruvian artist Cynthia Capriata present The return of WOMAD eclectic visual reflections that address The action-packed WOMAD is back to Hosted by Abu Dhabi Authority for region by reinforcing the message of will see performers from countries WOMAD Beyond. independence a variety of cultural perspectives entertain us through the early-summer Culture & Heritage (ADACH), this year’s multicultural understanding.” including the UAE, UK, Cuba, India, Also part of WOMAD is the through popular symbols, shared nights in Abu Dhabi – and this year in festival will feature Taste the World as The internationally-renowned Palestine, Tanzania and many more. “Desert Cultures” tent, in Al Jahili Fort rituals, and artistic traditions that cross Al Ain too. well as more than 35 artists from over WOMAD Festival came to Abu Dhabi WOMAD Abu Dhabi’s far-ranging in Al Ain. This highlights the heritage imaginary, social, or historical borders WOMAD, which stands for 15 countries. for the first time last year. Considered and musically adventurous selection of the Arabic host emirate, presenting reflective of different times, places World of Music, Arts and Dance, “ADACH is proud to present a huge success, the event saw over of performers will have something for Abu Dhabi’s traditional hospitality and and ethnicities. In visual terms, this is an international festival that has WOMAD Abu Dhabi as an annual event 80,000 people gather on the Corniche everyone’s tastes. One particular style cultural richness to a world audience. means that alongside brightly coloured been bringing together artists from after the huge success of the festival to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of the – always popular – will be the drum- WOMAD Abu Dhabi 2010 will artwork related to a popular Latin all over the globe since 1982. Unlike last year” commented Mohammed festival and diverse musical offerings. based groups, igniting the rhythm! offer a stunning array of artists and American tradition of offerings called other music festivals, the audience Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Director General This year, the gathering of In addition to the imaginative line- colourful cultural fusion. The three- ex-votos (usually made in silver), one at WOMAD gets to meet the artists of ADACH. “This glorious global international performers on numerous up of performers – many of whom are day open air world music festival will can find artwork that draws attention and learn about their music, and festival celebrating the spirit of world stages in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will be stars in their homelands – WOMAD take place on Abu Dhabi Corniche on to the Middle Eastern influence in children can participate in dozens of music is another event that implements expanded and enhanced. Abu Dhabi is offering family-orientated 22-24 April and at Al Jahili Fort in Al Spain carried over to the Americas. workshop and activities in visual and ADACH’s strategic plan to make During the free festival, spread workshops featuring music, dance and Ain on 22 and 23 April. The exhibition is open from 25 April to performing arts. Abu Dhabi the cultural centre of the over multiple stages, WOMAD-goers visual art brought by the programme 5 May at Ghaf Gallery.

O n t h e o cc a sion of t h e 166t h A nnive r s ar y of Independence, the embassy of the Dominican Republic in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, has announced the opening of “Colours of the Dominican Republic 2010”. In commemoration of this significant day, an exhibition showcasing selected paintings and photographs will continue until 14 March, opening daily from 8pm at Ghaf Gallery.

March 2010 March 2010 8 latest Arab urban insights: reflecting on the Disorientation II

shock and disappointment over the purposes, was used by militia factions series of wars in the eighties and two- during the civil war in Lebanon as a facedness of leaders, his collages from sniper’s next, a prison and a place for this period illustrate the disjointed lives captured hostages. and agonies of the time. Too high to knock down and The end of this era comes with Wael too dense to implode, Burj Al Murr Shwaky’s Telematch Sadat. This piece is today is left neglected and unused. based on the famous German television The monument has been called “the competition “Telematch”, broadcasted tower of death” and is living reminder in the seventies and eighties, which had of and witness to the tragic events that teams from different German towns occurred in Lebanon. play games in costumes. The story of Sabra and Shatila In Telematch Sadat, village camps is represented through Monika children re-enact Anwar Al Sadat’s Borgmann’s film Massaker – a personal 1981 assassination, a point that initiative which led to the recording of symbolized the end of a period that narrated confessions from six people defined Egypt as a leading force in the who participated in the massacre in Arab world. Two years prior to that, these refugee camps. Egypt had been suspended from the Toy-cars make up Yto Barrada’s League of Arab States when Anwar Al satiric model Gran Royal Turismo. In If Disorientation was a man, he would objects that overflow with meanings nostalgia, reminding us of a time when Sadat signed the Camp David Peace a shabby Moroccan town three black be exuding non-conformism, realism and messages. Images, sketchbooks, there was a hope for salvation from Accords with Israel. More importantly, Mercedes cars obviously carrying and to some, maybe pessimism. drawings, and monument replications occupation and western domination. the following decades saw more wars, diplomats pass along the track; as Unlike other exhibitions that take us through a startling journey, On one side of the room, newspaper losses, displacement, bloodshed and they do, dirty buildings magically turn shed light on the greener side of commencing with the utopian period clippings hang, showing Che Guevara instability than ever before. From the into pristine, palm trees suddenly pop things, with pleasing inspirational of the sixties and seventies marked by posing for a picture with farmers. Iran-Iraq war and Lebanon’s invasion out, and the sidewalks flip to reveal artwork, Disorientation has taken an the optimistic views of former Egyptian The artist points to a time when such by Israel, to the Sabra and Shatila fresh paint and clean surfaces dotted independent path and chooses not president Jamal Abdel-Nasser, whose legendary figures would visit the massacres, Arab nations were being with flags. to stop and wonder what will people era had promised unachieved hopes of villagers and farmers in Egypt, not only torn apart and thousands of innocent This instant cleanup disguises the think, but to present the reality as it unity between Arab nations. the city of Cairo as the case is today. lives were being lost. appalling living conditions that some is. An exhibition that can be classified In the first edition of Disorientation, Moving from an insider’s view of Monument replicas largely authorities use when the only country’s as an artistic movement, it boldly held in 2003 at Berlin’s House of Cairo to an outsider’s perspective, we contribute to the portrayal of this leader, the one person with the power addresses extremely sensitive historical World Culture, contemporary artists meet the disoriented works of Ali Jabri. chaotic division. Marwan Rechmaoui’s to effect change, visits a poor area of and political issues that have become from the Middle East portray the The Jordanian homosexual artist was Beirut Caoutchouc is a map made of the town. neglected over the decades. Arab dissatisfaction through elaborate infamously murdered in 2002 at his thick, flattened rubber etched to divide Other bold pieces have reflected Disorientation II: The Rise and Fall of visuals. In Disorientation II, the focus hometown apartment by a killer who 60 pieces, not to merely delineate on similar issues and gaps within the Arab Cities was the first exhibition to be extends to define two significant eras was never identified (although the main different neighbourhoods of Beirut, Arab world, but there is one notion held at Abu Dhabi’s new cultural venue, of the Arab world. suspect remains his Egyptian lover). but to penetrate into the history of the that Disorientation II seems to follow Manarat Al Saadiyat, where it showed This begins with Hala Elkoussy’s Jabri’s philosophical work is based socio-political and economic causes – the repetition of familiar failings, for nearly four months. The curator “On red nails, palm trees and other on values of unity and selflessness. He of shifting through this complex wasted opportunities and aggressive of the exhibition was Jack Persekian, icons”, a collection displayed within an is also known for his anthropologist urban cartography. power struggles that leave behind bitter Sharjah Biennial’s Artistic Director. intimate room brimming with hundreds views displayed in the sketches and Rechmaoui’s second work is and divided societies. It is yet for us The artists in Disorientation of images, video screens, side lamps, drawings of Cairo’s harsh streets, portrayed in a three-dimensional to witness an end to this era, which is convey sad truths and hypocrisies that and chairs, all reminiscent of a period which he had called City Kitsch. In human-sized model of Burj Al Murr, a currently intoxicated by injustices and lie within Arab nations by using the art dating to half a century ago. the eighties, however, Jabri’s work skyscraper that still stands today. The discrimination, hopefully be replaced of silence – through thought-provoking One cannot help the rush of witnessed a major shift. Driven by tower, initially built for commercial with higher morals, ethics and value.

March 2010 10 abu dhabi festival 11 Talking arts In addition to the performance programme, ADMAF is introducing a major initiative this year – the ADMAF Debates, which will feature leading figures from the global arts community ignite the capital’s intellectual appetite. Three panel discussions will precede the festival’s n its seventh edition, the spectacular Abu Dhabi Krzystof Jablonski. evening events, addressing key global and regional Festival time IFestival will unveil performances from the master This opener is carried out in conjunction with the issues affecting the current cultural sector on an artists in traditional, classical and jazz music, drama, Ludwig van Beethoven Association, based in Poland. international scale. In the last session of ADMAF fine arts, and ballet. The Festival will also present Chopin recitals featuring Debates, Emirati artistic practice shall come under The ambitious cultural event was started in 2004 two piano prodigies – Nobuyuki Tsujii, the acclaimed debate; proving the festival’s desire to support the by Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi 22-year-old, is coming from Japan; and Yundi Li from nation’s artists. The seventh Abu Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF); it has been China, the youngest musician to win the International developing apace ever since. Frederick Chopin Piano Competition, is making his first Dhabi Festival The two-week Festival will launch on 20th March Middle East appearance. Oriental icons and continues until 7th April at the Emirates Palace. Chopin will be further celebrated in a new oriental Wadih El Safi, a cultural idol often called “the voice of The theme of “Bilad Al Khayr” or “the Land of adaptation of his Concerto No.1, re-orchestrated by Lebanon”, will perform a selection of his greatest songs opens with Chopin’s Blessings” underpins the festival, a way of to gathering Hiba Al Kawas with Arabic oriental instruments and in a new orchestration by composer Hiba Al Kawas. communities from the seven emirates around a shared orchestra with solo piano. This world premiere will This will be the first time for his songs to be love of music, arts and culture. be played by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and composed and performed in an international orchestral 200th anniversary “Year after year, the Abu Dhabi Festival has conducted by maestro Walid Gholmieh. dimension. El Safi will be accompanied by the Cairo developed,” said Hoda Kanoo. “As well as having the and continues world’s most prestigious performers, it now involves the whole community – not just in Abu Dhabi but across LSO | Photo Gautier Deblonde the seven emirates.” with a world-class This year, the festival has not only commissioned works from prestigious performers from the east and west, but will also reveal some of the highest programme calibre of visual art exhibitions. The appreciation of art will also be reinforced through knowledge through with the educational programme, which will feature opportunities for hands-on experience, lectures, and workshops. These sessions will be led by internationally-renowned artists and aims to inspire and enrich students, children, young artists and the general public with both artistic and musical knowledge, helping them expand the horizons of their creativity. The education program will includes workshops at the British School led by adventurous British cellist Matthew Barley, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre performance of ‘The Sound of Music’, Birmingham Stage Company performances and workshops for Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, and Live Music Now! workshops with students at Abu Dhabi special needs centres.

Celebrating Chopin The opening gala celebrates Chopin’s 200th anniversary with the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Grammy Award winner Krzystof Penderecki – himself a renowned composer – and one Naseer Shamma of the greatest piano virtuosos, Chopin award winner

March 2010 March 2010 12 abu dhabi festival 13 Symphony Orchestra together with musicians from the Maxim & Irina | Photo IMGA Lebanese National Orchestra. Oud legend Naseer Shamma will return this year to present one of his most ambitious performances Abu Dhabi Festival programme – Paganini’s Caprice No. 24, one of the most complicated pieces ever composed for string Saturday 20th March Thursday 1 April instruments now rescored for the oud. This world Opening Gala – Chopin Bicentennial Celebration Yundi Li – Chopin Bicentennial Celebration premiere will witness a fusion of Middle Easter and The National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra The youngest musician to win the International Western cultures as Shamma escalates the capacity featuring Krzysztof Jablonski (piano) and conducted by Frederick Chopin Piano Competition makes his Middle and potential of his instrument. Krzysztof Penderecki. Eastern debut. Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Ballroom The enchantment of the classical Another first performance for the region will be given 20 March to 7 April Friday 2 April by the Puccini Opera Festival, presenting ‘La Bohème’ Middle Eastern Modern Masters – Il Divo in Concert in its entirety and featuring a stellar cast that includes Tanavoli & Henein Original, refreshing and unusual operatic quartet. Ana Maria Martinez and Ana James. A joint retrospective exhibition of works by Parviz Presented by Flash Entertainment Every summer, the Puccini Opera is performed in Tanavoli and Adam Henein, two of the greatest living Time: 7:30pm | Venue: Emirates Palace West Park Puccini’s hometown, Torre del Lago, where he was masters of contemporary Middle Eastern art. inspired to write his cherished melodies. Saturday 3 April Classical pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and artist Robin Tuesday 23 March Chopin in Arabia & Wadih El Safi Rhode will come together for a joint performance The Sound of Music A new adaptation of Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 by Hiba in “Pictures Reframed”, an innovative work inspired Salzburg Marionette Theatre. Al Kawas. Performed by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, by Mussorgsky’s epic ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’. The Time: 7pm | Venue: Abu Dhabi Theatre conducted by Walid Gholmieh; followed by Wadih El show will revolve around distinguished and original Safi accompanied by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra musical compositions as well as a unique videographer Thursday 25 & 26 March and members of the Lebanese National Orchestra, installation, linking classical music to contemporary art. La Bohème conducted by Hiba Al Kawas. World premiere and Abu A visually and mentally stimulating joint collection The Puccini Opera Festival with Ana María Martínez Dhabi Festival commission. will be presented be pre by two of the greatest living (Mimi) and conductor Alberto Veronesi. masters of contemporary Middle Eastern art- sculptors Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium Sunday 4 April Parviz Tanavoli and Adam Henein. Oud Horizons – Concert for Humanity Saturday 27 March Naseer Shamma joins the Egyptian Philharmonic Closing this year’s Festival is the world-famous The Metropolitan Opera – Hamlet Society Chamber Orchestra in a masterful rendition of London Symphony Orchestra with their legendary Live Broadcast from New York (private screening) Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 on the oud. Conducted by principal conductor Sir Colin Davis and maestro Maestro Ahmed El-Saeidy. World premiere. Kristjan Järvi. They will be joined on stage by star Sunday 28 March Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium soloists Arabella Steinbacher on violin and Wayne Nobuyuki Tsujii – Chopin Bicentennial Celebration Marshall on piano. Concert by the acclaimed 22-year-old pianist Monday 5 April from Japan. Wynton Marsalis in Concert Wynton Marsalis | Photo rob wayman: piano suit Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Ballroom Nine-time Grammy Award winner for both jazz and classical records and the first jazz musician to win the Tuesday 30 March Pulitzer Prize for Music. Night at the Ballet Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium An independent production by Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko, principal dancers of the Tuesday 6 & 7 April American Ballet Theatre, in a unique collaboration London Symphony Orchestra with principal dancers from the Bolshoi Theatre and Principal conductor Sir Colin Davis and maestro Kristjan Mariinsky Theatre. Accompanied by the Puccini Järvi with Arabella Steinbacher on violin and Wayne Festival Orchestra. Marshall on piano. Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium

Wednesday 31 March Pictures Reframed Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) joins artist Robin Rhode in a performance inspired by Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’. Time: 8pm | Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium

March 2010 March 2010 14 abu dhabi festival 15 Krzysztof Penderecki Adam Henein | Photo Nabil Bourtos Matthew Barley | Photo Nick White

Yundi Li

Matthew Barley and students during 2009 festival

Parviz Tanavoli | Photo John Gordon Every year, Abu Dhabi Festival holds a major outdoor concert featuring a globally renowned artist from the popular operatic genre. In 2009, the crowds were entertained by Andrea Bocelli on the grounds of the Emirates Palace. For this year, the chart-topping operatic pop vocal quartet Il Divo has been confirmed to perform on 2nd April at Emirates Palace West Park as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2010. “This concert will bring something completely new to the capital, bridging the gap between classical music and pop culture and introducing the younger generations to a whole new style of music,” commented John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi based event La Boheme scene costumi | Jean Michel Folon organisers responsible for booking Il Divo. “We’re really excited to be finally making it to Abu Dhabi and playing this special show as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival,” said Sebastien Izambard Salzburg Marionette Theatre from Il Divo. “We’re really keen to learn more about the community and be part of this special arts and cultural festival.” Tickets start at AED 345 and are available from www.boxofficeme.com, www.ticketingboxoffice. com and Virgin Megastores.

March 2010 March 2010 16 sculpture 17 observe the evolution of a sculpture as it goes from conceptualisation through planning, carving, roughing, Piece by Juanjo Novella smoothing and polishing.” Artists will indeed be creating their sculptures live every day (except Friday) Meet the artist throughout the two weeks of the event. Fostering new sculpting talents is one of ADISS’s top Billy Lee in the priorities. Having found 16 artists of the highest calibre Born of Chinese and Dutch on the international stage, the organisers ensured that parentage, South African Billy one emerging artist with a promising talent was also Lee graduated from Birmingham given a chance. For 2010 ADISS has selected Husam College of Arts and received Chaya from Lebanon, and the plan is to introduce a his MFA at the Royal College of third new artist every year. Art in London. On graduation Encouragement for new talent also extends to art he received a prestigious students, who are getting major attention as part of this Kennedy Scholarship (and he remains the only artist initiative. “The lecture series include several workshops ever to receive one). His maquettes symbolise human and presentations to Zayed University students, expression and simplicity can be felt in his granite, dimension especially those enrolled in the art programs at the stone, steel and bronze-made For the first time in the capital’s history, Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses as well as four public monumental masterpieces. lectures that will be open to anyone is interested in the the Abu Dhabi International Sculpture topics covered,” says Salwa Zeidan. Caroline Ramersdorfer Art All of the lectures will be held by the participating Austrian Caroline Ramersdorfer Symposium is bringing some of the artists on the grounds of Zayed University in both the studied philosophy in Paris in Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses. Seven will be limited 1979, and went on to African world’s top sculptors to town to Zayed University staff and students, four additional art history, museum science and lectures will be open to the public – including a Public analysis of Renaissance frescoes Panel with Hassan Sharif, Caroline Ramersdorfer, Ehab and their restoration at the International University El-Laban and Jon Barlow Hudson. of Art in Florence. Ramersdorfer finds her joy when The first of the public lectures will debate public art, carving fragments from blocks of stones or marbles and its history and how it fits into Abu Dhabi. The second, repositioning them. “Art in the Urban scene”, has Juanjo Novella reviewing he Sculpture Symposium is more than just an exhibition. feeling a positive response from a public that once had art as an agent for regeneration of public space. The Ehab El Laban TIt is, in essence, a movement that arose from the Austrian thought uninterested or even hostile to art.” third session by Konstantine Dimpoulos is titled “Art Born in Cairo in 1976, Ehab town of St Margaethen in 1959 demanding more for this type of The extraordinary sculptures finally selected for saving the World” and the fourth will discuss Art and El-Laban obtained a degree in performance art. Led by Karl Prontl, members of the international ADISS have been created by 17 contemporary artists, the Environment. Art Education in 2000. He leads sculpture community came together in a forum for communication and each piece concealing a story and representing The Sculpture Symposium is undoubtedly a a dual career as a creator and exchange; and Abu Dhabi’s art community has realised the value of this potential depths and meanings. Although cutting edge sculptor’s fantasy come true, and it is an idea that as a cultural operator. El-Laban’s kind of union. technology and pneumatic tools today have changed the art-loving community of Abu Dhabi has been achievements earned him the “The response to the announcement of this symposium from artists around the the techniques and the pace of working in stone, some long contemplating. “We have been developing this Jury prize in the 13th Youth world was overwhelming,” said Salwa Zeidan, Director of Abu Dhabi International primary methods cannot be replaced; it remains an idea over the past two years,” declared Zeidan. “I am Salon, the Grand Prix in the 14th edition and the Top Sculpture Symposium (ADISS) and also director of the Salwa Zeidan arduous form of art that involves great physical effort. proud to work with this wonderful team that is equally Prize in the 15th Edition of the same Competition. Billy Lee EOS, Taipei Gallery. There were over 400 applications, ranging from abstract “The aim here is to have ADISS take on the excited about making it history!” ideas to semi-realistic designs, mainly aimed at complementing Abu form of a performing art event, an open sculpture The Abu Dhabi International Sculpture Symposium Fabrizio Dieci Dhabi’s culture and history. studio involving participation of both artists and the is held at the Armed Forces Officers Club, from Dieci holds a Masters Degree from the Academy of All sculpture symposia around the world are characterised by public,” explains Zeidan. “People will be able to February 25 until April 7. Visiting hours are 5pm to Carrera, Italy. He has been exhibiting throughout common elements. Work is usually created in public during a 7pm, Saturday to Thursday. Entry is free. For details on Europe, the Middle and Far East since 1998, and has defined period by invited artists; sculptures are usually left with the the public lecture programmes and workshops, visit been regularly participating in major International sponsor after the event; the sculptors are paid an honorarium and www.adiss-ae.com Symposia since 1993. hosted warmly at the country to which they have been invited. Most importantly, communities gain in stature – and Gheorghi Filin become an artistic destination – by having an ongoing Gheorghi Filin from Bulgaria has been referred to as a cultural event. “sculptor of liberated free forms”. Filin was educated Where else can a sculptor receive live feedback and first at the artistic Academy of Sofia, then at the continuous support from audience as he creates and forms Academy of Fine Arts where he became a teacher; his piece? As one sculptor, Neal Barab, puts it: “there is Gregor Kregar- Brick Bay Polyhedron, 2007, for more than ten years he held the post of Professor nothing more embarrassing as hitting your hand with a 549x366x366cm, stainless steel, of Sculpture at the Academy. Filin believes in getting Bick Bay Sculpture Park, matakana, NZ hammer as a crowd watches and nothing as satisfying as (L-R) Salah Khider, Abeer Al Mutawa, Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Salwa Zeidan

March 2010 March 2010 18 sculpture symposium 19

involved with the sculpture in every phase of the work, Jo Kley Konstantin Dimopoulos from the raw block to the final refinements, arriving Jo Kley completed his study Born in Egypt, Konstantin Dimopoulos emigrated to close to a quality resembling human skin. of Fine Arts in sculpture at New Zealand in 1963 and took his Arts degree at The ADISS lecture programme Muthesius School of Fine Arts Victoria University. He travelled to London to continue Gregor Kregar in Kiel, Germany under Prof Jan his studies at the Chelsea School of Art. His public Gregor Kregar from Slovenia Koblasa. Since 1992, Kley has installations mainly focus on social art. The dynamics of Open to public Open to Zayed usually makes large-scale site- participated in more than 70 colour, geometric forms, optical dynamic and lines are specific work which makes the single and group exhibitions; he all elements that are strongly associated with him. Public Panel Presentation: What is public art? University community audience question their role as has won several art competitions and received many What is its history and how is it relevant? How the viewer. He employs glass, awards for his work. Masahiro Hasegawa does public art fit into Abu Dhabi? and students only stainless steel and plastic as Masahiro Hasegawa graduated from Osaka University Janet Bellotto, Ian Harris, Yvonne Lammerich; Hassan well as familiar found objects Jon Barlow Hudson of Fine Arts. Hasegawa’s professional artistic career Sharif, Caroline Ramersdorfer, Ehab El Labban, Billy Lee Sculpture, that’s energy form: Jo Ley and recycled cardboard; these he uses to mould and Jon Barlow from the United States designs with the includes over 20 solo exhibitions, regular participation and Jon Barlow Hudson About a sculptor’s life, sculpture symposium shape forms in all shapes and sizes that literally and architectural context and environmental ambience in at international sculpture biennales, and inclusion in Sunday 14th March, 7pm to 9pm and its origin. Hasan Sharif, Spoons 5, 2008 symbolically reflect the world in which they are placed. mind. A regular participant in international sculpture several prominent public collections. In ADISS, he Venue: Y Auditorium Zayed University, South Campus Sunday 7th March, 3pm to 5pm symposia since 1993, he mostly works with stone. His sculpts the lotus in hand-brushed steel dotted with Venue: Zayed University, South Campus, X010 Hassan Sharif latest series signifies the shape of a slender maiden raindrops made of glass or resin. Art in the urban scene: Juanjo Novella One of the artists first to awaken without heads or arms; the concept behind this is two Thursday 25th March, 7pm to 9pm Resin Casting Workshop: Husam Chaya the UAE to contemporary art, Sufi ideologies – the “hidden” and “manifestation”. Petre Petrov Venue: Z Auditorium Zayed University, South Campus Stone sculpting creative and technical process Hassan Sharif is known for his Petre Petrov has earned a MA in Sculpture and a PhD in introduction, how to create a stone sculpture, how to great versatility. He concentrates John Gogaberishvili Art History from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Art saving the world: Konstantin Dimopoulos make copies of your model on objects whose twisted John Gogaberishvili is a professional sculptor who lives Sofia. A consistent feature of his sculpture is a fine eye Monday 28th March, 7pm to 9pm Tuesday 9th March, 3pm to 5pm perspectives reflect on the in Tbilisi, Georgia. His work tries to mould new scopes for balance; while his compositions remain solid, they Venue: Y Auditorium Zayed University, South Campus Venue: Zayed University, South Campus, X010 consumer society; he collects in the core of an object to combine space and light. lean and look ready to move with their massive bulk. common objects, hundreds The result is a dynamic form resembling an illusion of Sculpture and Environment: Caroline Artist talk: Jo Barlow Hudson and thousands of these serially manufactured objects, vibrant energy, leaving an impression which is both Yoshin Ogata Ramersdorfer and John Van Alstine Thursday 11th March, 12am to 1pm evoking the production process and almost repeating stylistic and technological. Ogata exhibited his first sculptures in 1969 in Tokyo, Wednesday 31st March, 7pm to 9pm Venue: : Zayed University (all classes) it but without the senselessness that characterised the before moving to London where he studied at the British Venue: Y Auditorium Zayed University, South Campus original production. Juanjo Novella Museum. Since then, his 30-year career has involved Artist talk: Gregor Kregar Award-winning artist Juanjo regular solo exhibitions and numerous international The difference between public art and public Sunday 14th March, 3pm to 5pm Hussam Chaya Novella was born in Portugalete, sculpture awards. Ogata carves and reshapes stone, sculpture: Hassan Sharif Venue: Zayed University, South Campus, X206 Born in 1976, the Lebanese artist Spain. During his career he has metal and wood into curves, attempting to express two Monday 5th April, 12pm to 1pm has shown his work extensively participated in many events with opposing concepts: nature and abstraction. Venue: Municipality Auditorium Identity and Originality: Hwang Seoung-Woo Piece by Ehab El Labban since the early 1999s and his giant mural interventions and Sunday 21st March, 12pm to 2pm exhibits a definitive trademark open space sculptures. His work Piece by Jo Kley Venue: Zayed University Dubai, D-L1-054 style. Chaya’s works range in can be seen in various public scale from small tabletop pieces spaces across the Spanish Riviera. The difference between public art and public to some large monumental sculpture: Hassan Sherif marble sculptures – placed prominently in Lebanon, Tuesday 23rd March, 12pm to 1pm but also Los Angeles, Michigan, Pinamar, Tunisia, Venue: Zayed University, South Campus, X-010 Montreal and Dubai. Artist talk: Billy Lee Hwang Seoung Monday 29th March, 12pm to 1pm A graduate of the Fine Art Venue: Zayed University Dubai, D-L1-054 Academy in Carrera, this Korean- born artist currently lives in Italy and has participated and acted as a commissioner in over 25 International Symposia. A giant stack of papers, according to him “serves as a kind of ‘hidden power’ bearing the language that we use”. Piece by Caroline Ramersdorfer Piece by Husam Chaya Hwang Sewoo Urumqi

March 2010 March 2010 20 abu dhabi classics 21 bu Dhabi is doing it again. The Emirate is uniting Aworld-renowned orchestras and musical artists for first-time appearances in the region; maintaining its commitment to making art, music and culture all part of the UAE capital’s daily life, Abu Dhabi Classics launched its second season last October with performances that will continue until May 2010. Last year, 35,000 people attended the first season’s concerts and the series was named “Abu Dhabi’s Best Festival of 2009” by What’s On magazine. Abu Dhabi Classics 2009 generated 8,000 hotel nights and the concerts were attended by more than 3,000 students. The current series has already delighted us with some of the top orchestras and soloists in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Vienna Philharmonic, violinists Anne-Sophie Mutter and Frank Peter Zimmermann, and pianists Emmanuel Ax, Christoph Eschenback and Kit Armstrong. Many of these names are new to the Middle East. Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Classics, Till Janczukowicz, reminds us that “classical music or a classical composer is not the property of a single nation. Germany does not own Beethoven, France does not own Ravel. All nations have clear responsibilities of safeguarding the traditions of their composers, but at the end, all these geniuses have contributed to a universal language that is understood internationally. This is a great opportunity in a globalised world”. And there is more to come.

April: Teatro La Fenice In April, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain can look forward to seeing the orchestra of Venice’s Teatro La Fenice performing selections from two of Verdi’s most powerful and dramatic operas: Act 2 from “La Traviata” and Act 3 from “Rigoletto”. The conductor is John Fiore, soloists Petra Lang- Soprano at Wagner Opera Gala by The Bavarian State Orchestra are Ramon Vargas, Franco Vassallo, Nino Machaidze and Julia Gertseva. One of the most famous theatres in Europe, Teatro La Fenice is a perfect example of how an opera theatre can literally rise from the ashes. Since its opening under the name named La Fenice, the theatre has burned down Abu Dhabi Classics: twice and been rebuilt. In 1774, the San Benedeto Theatre, which had been Venice’s leading opera house for more than 40 years, fell to the flames. Shortly after being rebuilt, a legal dispute broke out; when it was revolved, the new theatre company decided to build a the continuing story theatre of its own. At the beginning of the 19th century, Rossini staged two major productions in La Fenice; Two months are left till the end of the second season of Abu Dhabi Classics Bellini premiered two operas there. It was the start of the company’s reputation. Late in 1836, another fire destroyed the theatre. This – but then all good things come to those who wait! time, however, it was quickly rebuilt and reopened Bavarian State Orchestra- Bayerische Staatsorchester the following year. During the Second World War, La Fenice was closed for some time but reopened after Thomas Hengelbrock- Conductor of Wagner Opera Gala by The Bavarian State Orchestra

March 2010 March 2010 22 Abu dhabi classics the war. Then another fire again caused its complete destruction, this time as a result of arson. Serious reconstruction only started in 2001 after numerous delays. In less than two years the ambience of the old theatre was completely recreated at a cost of around €90 million. It reopened on 14 December 2003 with an inaugural concert of Beethoven, Wagner and Stravinsky; its first opera production was La Traviata in November the following year, and it’s this opera which Abu Dhabi Classics will present on 18 April. The performance will take place in the lavish settings of Abu Dhabi’s Emirate Palace and also within Al Jahili Fort in the oasis city of Al Ain. It will be the last of the concerts to be held in Al Ain Classics this season.

April: Bavarian State Orchestra A week later, Munich’s Bavarian State Orchestra makes a rare visit to the region. Presenting an evening of scenes from some of Wagner’s phenomenal masterworks, the performance includes the passionate love story of medieval minstrel and poet Tannhauser and the tragic tale of the famous Flying Dutchman, doomed to sail Klaus Florian Vogt- tenor at Wagnar Opera Gala the seas until redeemed by a faithful woman’s love, as well as the comic, touching and stirring story of the Ramon Vargas- Meistersingers of medieval Nuremburg. tenor at Teatro In association with the Abu Dhabi Richard Wagner La Fenice Society, the Bavarian State Orchestra will be conducted by the outstanding Thomas Hengelbrock with tenor Klaus Florian Vogt, sopranos Petra Lang, Nina Stemme, and baritone Alan Titus.

May: Evelyn Glennie One of the world’s foremost solo percussionists will perform at the Abu Dhabi Theatre in May – indeed, Evelyn Glennie is the first person ever to create and sustain a successful full-time career as a solo percussionist. Her irrepressible energy and enthusiasm makes her one of the most eclectic and innovative musicians on the scene today, and her sound productions have the power to permanently redirect one’s listening preferences. Dame Evelyn currently gives more than a hundred performances a year worldwide, performing Franco Vassallo- tenor at Teatro with the greatest conductors, orchestras, and artists. La Fenice Her diversity of collaborations has included Nana Vasconcelos, Bela Fleck, Bjork, Bobby McFerrin, Sting, Emmanuel Ax, Kings Singers, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Fred Frith. Of her 25 solo recordings to date, Evelyn’s first CD, Bartok’s Sonata for two Pianos and Percussion won her a Grammy in 1988. A further two Grammy nominations followed, one of which she won for a collaboration with Bela Fleck. Evelyn’s twelfth solo CD, Shadow Behind the Iron Sun, was based on a radical improvisational concept and has once again questioned Nina Stemme- Soprano at Wagner Opera Gala by The Bavarian State Orchestra people’s expectations. Her first high quality drama

March 2010 abu dhabi classics 25 Davies, Fung Lam and Graham Fitkin rub shoulders and Julian Lloyd Webber. with classical favourites by Schumann, Liszt and Watford Coliseum has been the BBC Concert Richard Strauss. Orchestra’s temporary home venue for some time, “You name it and we will play it”: this seems to be but from April 2010 it closes for a year to undergo the BBC Concert Orchestra’s underlying endeavour. a major facelift – so the players will be on the road With unusual versatility, its repertoire has evolved from more than ever. Their plans already include a three- providing light music, ballet and opera into performing day residency at Eden Centre in Cornwall, the Abu full-scale musicals such as Guys and Dolls, Carousel, Dhabi Classics tour, tours across North America, a fifth On the Town, Pal Joey and On Your Toes. It has also year of residency at Chichester Festival Theatre, and staged full operas such as Madame Butterfly, Aida and one-off concerts elsewhere. In December 2011, you Carmen; and it has performed concerts based on the can hear the BBC CO in the pit at the Royal Opera music of Abba, with jazz legend Ornette Coleman, and House playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with Barry with film composer Michael Nyman. Wordsworth- its former Principal Conductor who is Over the decades, it has performed with artists now Conductor Laureate and also the Musical Director ranging from Shirley Bassey, Dionne Warwick, Tony for the Royal Ballet. Are there any other Orchestras Bennett, Jools Holland and the Corrs, to Sir Yehudi around the British Isles who can samba as gracefully as Menuhin, Andre Previn, Jose Carreras, Maurice Jarre they strut to waltz? Only you can decide!

Evelyn Glennie- Solo Percussionist May 2010 produced a score so original she was nominated for a The Abu Dhabi Friday 14 May 2010 BAFTA award, the UK equivalent of an Oscar. 6pm: Listen – the world’s foremost solo percussionist When Evelyn is not working, she is still highly Classics schedule Evelyn Glennie, the first person in musical history to active – her consortium with Sir James Galway, Julian successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a Lloyd Webber and the late Michael Caman led to April 2010 solo percussionist, performs with pianist Philip Smith. the British Government raising £332 million towards Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) music education. Her other pastimes include jewellery- Sunday 18 April 2010 making; in conjunction with Ortak, she has designed 6pm: Pre-concert talk: Marina Callas and La Traviata: Saturday 15 May 2010 a complete collection inspired by her experience as History of a magic relationship 8pm: The “Best of British” Gala a solo percussionist. Evelyn is also an international Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) The BBC Concert Orchestra presents a traditional motivational speaker to many diverse corporate evening of moving and beautiful classics from the companies and events. To top it all, the multi-talented Sunday 18 April 2010 British Isles. percussionist performs with various orchestras on the 8pm: The Magic of Opera – Verdi’s “La Traviata” Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) Great Highland Bagpipes. and “Rigoletto” Venice’s historic opera house Orchestra e Coro del May: BBC Concert Orchestra Teatro La Fenice performs under the noted American The following evening, the BBC Concert Orchestra from conductor John Fiore, with Ramon Vargas, Franco London will give us an evening of traditional classics Vassallo, Julia Gertseva, and Nino Machaidze. The Al Ain from the British Isles – including Edgar’s famous Pomp Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) and Circumstances March (“Land of Hope and Glory”) and “Rule, Britannia!”, recreating the unparalleled Thursday 29 April 2010 Classics schedule atmosphere of the famous Last Night of the Proms at 6pm: Pre-concert talk: Richard Wagner’s Myth London’s Royal Albert Hall. Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) April 2010 Formed in 1952, the BBC Orchestra Symphony is has survived more than half a century of musical Thursday 29 April 2010 Saturday 17 April 2010 transformations, developments and variations. With such 8pm: Wagner Opera Gala 8pm: The Magic of Opera in Al Jahili Fort incredible flexibility in performance, it is not hard to see In Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Richard Wagner Venice’s historic opera house Orchestra e Coro del how the legendary Orchestra managed to remain on the Association Society, the Bavarian State Orchestra, Teatro La Fenice performs under the noted American top. Its widely-known radio showcase “Friday Night is Munich’s greatest opera house, will perform under the conductor John Fiore Music Night” is heard by millions across the world; the outstanding German conductor Thomas Hengelbrock, Venue: Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain weekly show is miraculously polished for broadcasting presenting an evening of Wagner. in just a three-hour session on the day itself. Venue: Emirates Palace (Auditorium) The orchestra is also central to Radio 3’s Discovering Music series, where new commissions from Tansy

March 2010 27 The Oldest Building in Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn

It is here where the former rulers and sheikhs of Abu Dhabi resided from 1976 until 1966. Welcome to Qasr Al Hosn, the Al-Hosn Palace, a national architectural treasure that sits peacefully in the heart of Abu Dhabi, a majestic and honoured presence among enormous, sparkling towers. It seems to be more a fort than a palace; yet in its glory days Qasr Al Hosn was the political and administrative centre of the Emirate, witnessing some of the most radical developments in the history of the Gulf

March 2010 28 heritage profile 29

uilt originally as a defensive watchtower to guard Qasr Al Hosn when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reminisce and talk about their memories. A place Ba waterhole in 1761, it became a fully-fledged fort became the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The palace then became where people can come and celebrate when the UAE in 1793 when it accommodated Sheikh Shakhbut Bin an administrative centre until the 1990s; Sheikh Zayed football team wins the World Cup ...” Dhiyab Al Nahyan. ordered a renovation of the building between 1976 and Until recently, the palace housed the Cultural As ruler of the largest emirate within the British- 1983 when it was painted white, hence the common Foundation, which ran the Documentation and Research controlled Trucial Coast, Shakhbut maintained friendly reference to it as the “White Fort”. Centre, and has often held exhibitions and displays. relations with the United Kingdom and successfully Over the years, various rulers had lived in and Qasr Al Hosn has been a landmark in the city for resisted territorial incursions in a prolonged border around Al-Hosn, conveying the image of power many years, but as it approached its third century dispute with Saudi Arabia. He was an early supporter of to the population and creating a refuge for tribes the authorities decided that time had come for Western oil exploration and granted drilling rights that during unsettled times. It also served as a centre for renewal and rebirth. Now the fort is undergoing a earned Abu Dhabi as much as $70 million per year in majlis for resolving civic disputes, according to Dr major transformation, as it goes through a three-year the mid 1960s. Xander Veldhujizen, an associate of Prince Research rehabilitation and conservation programme –one of In 1939 Sheikh Shakhbut used some of the revenue Consultants, a UK firm advising on the ongoing numerous projects that the Abu Dhabi Authority for generated by an oil exploration concession to begin a restoration. He explains that he has been working on Heritage and Culture (ADACH) has undertaken for major redevelopment of Qasr Al-Hosn. The fort remained a renovation that will result in “a space where Emiratis museums and historic sites around the Emirate. Among the seat of power for the Al Abu Falah dynasty of the Al and tourists can come and enjoy the feeling and spirit them was the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, which Nahyans until 1966; in that year, the family moved out of of the place. A place where UAE nationals can come is currently also being reconstructed, as well as the

changing the perception that heritage is unexciting. 2008, and draws large numbers of tourists, especially “Part of our goal is to offer a variety of cultural activities through the various cultural festivals organised here. and experience, and highlight the many cultural sites that Muwaiji Palace and Sheikh Zayed the First Museum, Qasr Al Hosn ... is also undergoing a transformation already exist in Abu Dhabi. This not only includes heritage both being developed in Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. towards making it a cultural attraction in the near future.” sites, but also a dynamic experience that will encourage a Director-General of ADACH, Mohammed Khalaf Al Meanwhile, Dr Sami El Masri, ADACH Deputy longer stay in the emirate.” Mazrouei, explains that “the authority is mandated to Director-General for Arts, Culture and Heritage and On the basis of these ambitious and promising conserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of Director of Strategic Planning, notes that awareness initiatives, our anticipation of seeing Qasr Al Hosn the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; we have a commitment to campaigns are also run by the Authority to promote develop into a lasting memorial site for Abu Dhabi vernacular heritage. the Emirate locally, regionally and internationally. “We and Al Nahyan Ruling Family persists, and the day that “Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, for example, has already believe that this will trigger interest in the cultural marks the end of this critical facelift will be celebrated undergone renovation. It has reopened to the public in field, thus resulting in more visits to the museums and with immense joy.

March 2010 March 2010 sounds of Arabia 31 Celebrating Arab Voices This month Amal Maher revives Umm Kulthoum’s music as part of ADACH’s ongoing Sounds of Arabia season

qualities in village life. Even today, the name Umm Kulthoum is known to every generation, the young and the old, both in Egypt and the wider Arab world. Eventually Umm Kulthoum became a spokeswoman for various causes. Most importantly, after Egypt’s defeat in the 1967 by Israel, she travelled throughout Egypt and other Arab countries, donating the proceeds of her performances to the government of Egypt. `These concerts were much publicised visits and Umm agida Al Roumi’s distinguished and passionate Kulthum was regularly received by heads of state. One Mvoice echoed through the Emirates Palace of her most enjoyable activities was touring cultural auditorium last November, as the audience was monuments in every country she went to. reminded of Lebanon’s vulnerability during the Her songs deal with themes of love, longing and loss. invasions, tales of love and passion, and hopes for They are nothing short of epic in scale, with durations peace in the Arab world. Such is the potency of measured in hours rather than minutes. A typical Umm Magida’s voice and lyrics, and such is the way the Kulthoum concert consisted of a performance of two or second season of Sounds of Arabia was launched. three songs over a period of three to four hours. In the Since then, every last Thursday of the month has late 1960s her age and weakened vocal abilities meant been an evening of “tarab”, Arabic classical music with the star of all stars had to shorten her performances ... singing or chanting in the purest melodic form – sounds to perhaps two songs over a period of two and a half to that fill the listener with many sensations. Magida Al three hours. Roumi played for two nights, doubling the excitement In some ways, her performances are reminiscent of her fans which came from various Arab nationalities. of the structure of Western opera, consisting of long The respected Lebanese soprano is also a UN vocal passages linked by shorter orchestral interludes. goodwill ambassador. She was one of the first modern However, she was not stylistically influenced by opera singers to start combining western classical music with and she sang solo most of her career. tarab; Ihsan Al-Monzer, Elias Rahbani, Elie Choueiri Umm Kulthoum has been notably referred to as and Jamal Salama are just some of the celebrities with “the Lady” by Charles de Gaulle, and was called “the whom Magida has worked. incomparable voice” by Maria Callas. In memory Now that March is drawing to an end, the Abu of her historical contributions to the music industry, Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is culture and society, and after 35 years since her death delighting us with another angelic Arab voice, that of on 3 February 1975, Amal Maher is coming to Abu Amal Maher, who has grown up knowing one sound Dhabi to perform some of Kulthoum’s notable songs. Through this special evening, ADACH hopes to only – the music of Umm Kulthoum, “the star of the Accompanied by the orchestra of Umm Kulthoum demonstrate devotion and appreciation to Umm east”, the “diva of Arabic music”. Arabic Music, and led by conducting maestro Dr Kulthoum’s unforgettable epics, while cherishing her An iconic Egyptian singer of the 1950s and 60s, Khalid Fouad along with 55 musicians and singers, as one of the most accomplished and admired Arab Umm Kulthoum spoke freely about her personal life, Amal Maher will revive Umm Kulthoum’s nostalgic and female singers in history. repeatedly identifying herself as a villager, a peasant or moving music –songs such as Seerat al Hob (“Memoirs Sounds of Arabia will continue to unveil the best of “fallahah” and emphasising that she shared common of Love”); Daret Al Ayam (“Days have passed”); Alf Leila Arab voices every last Thursday of both April and May values with the majority of Egypt’s populace. In her (“A Thousand Nights”); and Arooh Li Meen (“Who do I 2010. To stay updated with Sounds of Arabia’s future interviews, she told full stories of her family and of the turn to?”). events, please visit www.adach.ae

March 2010