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, and Founding Honorary Patron the special 20th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival kicks off on 1 March 2023 at Emirates Palace with a performance by acclaimed Peruvian tenor, Juan Diego Flórez. Presented by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and held under the theme “The Will for Evolution”, the headline programme of events will take place during the first three weeks of March and features the world’s most renowned performers and musicians.

Acclaimed for his command of the high tenor range, Juan Diego Flórez will give a spectacular performance accompanied by an orchestra featuring a programme of opera arias followed by Latin American songs. The operatic tenor will join some of his most renowned colleagues in a spectacular gala concert for the special 20th-anniversary edition of Abu Dhabi Festival.

The Peruvian opera star will sing a captivating repertoire of operatic arias in the first part of the concert accompanied by Italian maestro, Vincenzo Scalera on the piano. Flórez dedicates the second half of the concert’s programme to popular Latin-American music from Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina. Accompanied by an instrumental ensemble composed of piano, guitar, trumpet, and percussion conducted by Jonathan Bolívar, the celebrated tenor’s stirring performance features a beautiful repertoire of songs, adapting his world-renowned bel canto voice to music so close to his heart.

Juan Diego Flórez and Friends

  • Date: Wednesday, 1 March 2023
  • Time: Doors open at 7 pm
  • Venue: Emirates Palace Auditorium, Emirates Palace
  • Dress code: Formal
  • Tickets can be booked here and start at AED 75

Abu Dhabi Festival 2023 is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, Assistant to His Highness the President of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority for Women’s Affairs, and Chairperson of the Higher Committee for Ataya Initiative. The Festival is also supported by its Lead Partner Mubadala.

Abu Dhabi Festival 2023 will present exclusive commissions and productions, along with local, regional, and global premieres, in addition to a series of world-class events that include musical tours, panel discussions, and workshops. Additional information on the Abu Dhabi Festival programme and ticket booking details are available at abudhabifestival.ae/programme-2023/

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

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) was established in 1996 as one of the earliest cultural foundations in the Gulf region and Arab world. ADMAF supports the sustainability and creativity of the cultural industry and contributes to enriching Abu Dhabi as a cultural beacon by offering a wide array of initiatives, often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, including Abu Dhabi Festival and several youth and societal programs and platforms, to support creative talents in the UAE and abroad. For more information, please: www.admaf.org

About Abu Dhabi Festival

Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan

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. The annual Festival commissions, produces, preserves and presents the greatest works of music and art to create rich cultural experiences in the UAE and beyond as part of its commitment to building and sustaining the nation’s creative economy.

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