Abu Dhabi Festival will return from October 10 for its 23rd edition, bringing an international line-up of music, opera, ballet and contemporary arts to venues across the UAE capital.

Held under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture,” the festival will coincide with ADMAF’s 30th anniversary and highlight Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for cultural exchange.

The UAE National Orchestra will open the festival at Etihad Arena on October 10, conducted by François López-Ferrer and featuring pianist David Khrikuli.

A major highlight follows on November 13, when Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer brings his THE NEXT LEVEL tour to Etihad Arena.

Other highlights include American Ballet Theatre on November 21, featuring classical and contemporary works, and the Arab world premiere of Algarabía on November 26.

The multidisciplinary production combines flamenco and Arab poetic traditions, with contributions from Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will make its UAE debut on November 29 with a Verdi anniversary gala, while Tunisian composer and oud virtuoso Dhafer Youssef will close the programme at Louvre Abu Dhabi on December 19.

The Festival’s Recital Series will showcase international and Emirati artists at venues including the Zayed National Museum and Cultural Foundation.

The programme also extends overseas, with performances in Washington, DC, and New York.

Youth development remains central to the festival, with the new Festival Academy offering training and performance opportunities for UAE students.

The Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra will also perform publicly.

From November 6 to December 6, Umm Al Emarat Park will host the Children’s Biennale, the Middle East’s first outdoor children’s biennale, featuring nine artists and interactive experiences designed to promote creativity, environmental awareness and family engagement. -TradeArabia News Service