A man who describes himself as "the world's only classical music comedian" is jetting in to the UAE for three shows.
Offbeat performer Rainer Hersch claims to offer a stand-up show with a difference that will appeal to anyone who likes music.
The three performances, one in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai, represent the first time Hersch has brought his act to the Middle East.
His All Classical Music Explained show deals with issues such as "Why is organ music so boring" and "How can I play a musical instrument without practising?"
Hersch will perform everything from recorder music to grand opera and will also play the piano "like you have never heard it before".
His Abu Dhabi show takes place on August 9 at The Club, while the Dubai performances are scheduled for August 10 and 11 at the Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah.
"Although this show is pitched at those who have some knowledge of classical music, it is enjoyable for anyone who has sat through a concert working out where you are supposed to clap, be it a school hall or the Royal Albert Hall.
"Those of us who know how to hum the classical adverts and bits from Vivaldi's Four Seasons will find something to laugh at.
"You really don't need much more experience than that. Rainer explains the rest, as the show's title points out," said Anne Bleeker, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Jumeirah, which owns Madinat Jumeirah.
Hersch packed in his job as touring manager of the London Festival Orchestra in 1992 to devote himself full-time to comedy.
He has performed all over the world and has appeared on many radio and television programmes.
He has made 11 appearances at the Edinburgh Festival and has had several series of comedy concerts at London's South Bank.
All Classic Music Explained debuted in 1995 and according to Hersch's website "was an immediate hit will all kinds of audiences" when during 55 dates it crossed three continents.
The show led critics to make immediate comparisons between Hersch and Victor Borge, a Danish pianist and comedian who died in 2000.
Gulf News
