Abu Dhabi Festival, the UAE's classical arts event that attracts high calibre regional and international artists to the capital every year, celebrated ‘Resplendent Russia’ with violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov and The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Conducted by Maestro Yuri Temirkanov, the Internationally-inspired repertoire delivered the distinctive works of Tchaikovsky and Rossini to a full house in the Emirates Palace Auditorium.

Vengerov, regarded as one of the world’s most outstanding violin artists, partnered with Russia’s oldest symphonic ensemble, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening celebrating ‘Resplendent Russia’ on Friday night as part of the festival.

Considered amongst part of the world’s conducting elite, award-winning Maestro Yuri Temirkanov, chief conductor of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra led a flawless performance.

Opening with the rousing Overture from opera The Barber of Seville by Rossini, the rapturous audience were then transported on a journey through Tchaikovsky’s classical greats.

UN Goodwill Ambassador Vengerov joined the orchestra as soloist for a soulful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving Violin Concerto in D. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra brought the evening to a close with Tchaikovsky’s stunning Symphony No. 4 in F minor.   

Speaking after the performance, Hoda I Al Khamis Kanoo, the artistic director and founder of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: 'This evening’s concert celebrated the very best of Russia’s lasting contribution to classical music and performance. We have truly ‘connected cultures’ through the Abu Dhabi Festival this evening.'

As a true advocate of musical education, during his visit to Abu Dhabi Maxim Vengerov took on his teaching role and interacted with local students through ‘Back to School with Mubadala’, an educational initiative that takes visiting performers into schools and community centres across Abu Dhabi.

The famous Russian conductor and dynamic violinist visited GEMS International School yesterday and inspired students with a mini-performance and masterclass on playing the violin. Maxim’s natural passion for nurturing the youth reemphasized the importance of music in a child’s development as he noted “our greatest investment is in our children.”

The Abu Dhabi Festival, which is currently enjoying its ninth successful cycle, will run up to April 6.-TradeArabia News Service