Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Under the honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Festival at NYUAD Arts Centre concluded after a series of artistic and musical recitals took place for the special 20th edition of the festival.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and held under the theme ‘The Will for Evolution’, the headline programme of events featured some of the world’s most notable classical performers and musicians. International Chopin Piano Competition winner, Bruce Liu, performed a special piano recital on Tuesday, 14 March, followed by an enchanting piano recital by Acclaimed Shanghainese pianist, Haochen Zhang that took place on Thursday, 16 March. The event concluded with a captivating performance by violin and piano duo recital by Leia Zhu and Benjamin Engeli on 20 March as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2023.

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “"Since 2015, Abu Dhabi Festival's Recital Series, presented in partnership with the NYUAD Arts Centre, has provided audiences with the exceptional opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of classical music as interpreted by today’s young virtuosos. This year’s edition showcases the captivating talent of international star pianist Bruce Liu and violin prodigy Leia Zhu in their Arab world debuts and will also present the return of critically acclaimed pianist Hoachen Zhang following his UAE and Abu Dhabi Festival debut alongside China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra in 2017.

The series is in line with our commitment to providing a platform for artistic expression where the world’s rising musicians can demonstrate their technical mastery through their individual style and approach to music.”

Tuesday, 14 March: Recital Series: Bruce Liu at NYUAD Arts Center

Winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, Bruce Liu, performed a captivating piano solo with classical and romantic highlights on 14 March at The Red Theatre at NYUAD Arts Center. Dazzling audiences at sold-out venues around the world, the international star pianist presented a selection of pieces by Rameau, Chopin and Liszt during the recital.

Thursday, 16 March: Recital Series: Haochen Zhang at NYUAD Arts Center

Acclaimed Shanghainese pianist, Haochen Zhang, performed some of Beethoven’s most celebrated sonatas on 16 March at The Blue Hall at NYUAD Art Center. The gold medal winner of the Thirteenth van Cliburn International Piano Competition made a captivating solo performance.

Monday, 20 March: Recital Series: Leia Zhu, Violin & Benjamin Engeli, Piano at NYUAD Arts Center

Sixteen-year-old British-Chinese violin prodigy, Leia Zhu will be accompanied by versatile Swiss pianist, Benjamin Engeli performed renditions of Mozart, Strauss, Debussy, Wieniawski and Sarasate on 20 March at The Blue Hall, NYUAD Arts Center.

For more information on the Abu Dhabi Festival 2023 programme, please visit:  https://abudhabifestival.ae/programme-2023/

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About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF):

Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the oldest, not-for-profit cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world. Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes.

For more information, please visit ADMAF website at: www.admaf.org

About Abu Dhabi Festival

Founded in 2004, the Festival was generously granted the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from 2007 to 2011. The first Abu Dhabi Festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Minister of Information and Culture (currently the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation).

Abu Dhabi Festival is the festival of “Bilad Al Khayr”, the land of blessings, the land of Zayed, and embraces the values of dialogue, tolerance, respect and peace.

For more information, please visit www.abudhabifestival.ae

About Mubadala

Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign investor managing a global portfolio, aimed at generating sustainable financial returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi.

Mubadala’s $284 billion (AED 1045 billion) portfolio spans six continents with interests in multiple sectors and asset classes. We leverage our deep sectoral expertise and long-standing partnerships to drive sustainable growth and profit, while supporting the continued diversification and global integration of the economy of the United Arab Emirates.   

For more information about Mubadala Investment Company, please visit: www.mubadala.com