The composer’s first work Waves of My Life was performed by the Beethoven Academy Orchestra to a rapturous audience at the Emirates Palace Auditorium
15th Mar 2018
Sublime World Premiere by Emirati Composer Ihab Darwish dazzles Abu Dhabi Festival Audience
After years of preparation, Ihab Darwish debuted his first complete orchestral work, Waves of my Life: Every Real Story Begins with a Note, with a world premiere performance at Abu Dhabi Festival 2018. Bringing together classical and contemporary influences, the Emirati composer makes soaring music whose bold cinematic vibrancy arrests audiences. The concert marks his debut in his home country. The work was performed by Beethoven Academy Orchestra, including some of Europe’s most promising musical talents, and the Polish Radio Choir, as well as special guest the legend Sami Clark. An enthralled audience were delighted by the eclectic evening and the realisation of the Emirati composer’s creative vision.
H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival said: “Abu Dhabi Festival is a celebration of the very best of international art. It also serves as a platform to further the creativity of the United Arab Emirates and the wider Arab world. Our engagement with Ihab Darwish has been an extraordinary journey and we are delighted to have supported him as he realises this profound and ambitious creative vision. It feels appropriate that his world premiere took place during the Festival; we consider this a milestone moment in ADMAF’s mission and vision to nurture the UAE’s rich cultural landscape. Ihab’s nuanced reflections on his cultural heritage and personal history are a beautiful tribute to the nation. His exceptional creative execution demonstrates the power that lies in determination and dedication to one’s own cultural experiences, as well as the ability of music to engage diverse audiences with new ideas.”
H.E. Robert Rostek, Poland Ambassador to the UAE said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival has been a well-established landmark in the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf for years now. It is a great pleasure to be here and meet not only world-renowned artists, but also an enthusiast refined culture coming from the region and visiting from across the globe. Since 2003, The Beethoven Academy Orchestra has been a leading Polish symphony orchestra of the young generation. An ensemble of the most talented music students and graduates, they are well known for their innovative approach to classical music. I am convinced they will be excited to be able to perform at the Abu Dhabi Festival and have the possibility to play with Ihab Darwish, the excellent Emirati composer in his Waves of My Life performance. Such a cooperation between Emirati and Polish artists and performers is cultural diplomacy par excellence – using music as a bridge between two nations and two cultures.”
Alongside this special live performance, Ihab Darwish’s debut album is featured as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform. The Platform supports the development and release of new works by Arab artists. Previous beneficiaries have included Faisal Al Saari (UAE), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Bechara El Khoury (Lebanon/France), Hiba Al Kawas (Lebanon) and Macadi Nahhas (Jordan). The creations are made available to audiences through a listening post at Emirates Palace. Album is available on iTune Store and Google Play.
Running until 30 March 2018, Abu Dhabi Festival will bring a line-up of globally renowned artists to the capital, including an intimate evening with internationally-renowned soprano Deborah Voigt accompanied by beloved Lebanese tenor Bechara Moufarrej; the Sinatra of the Middle East – Palestinian singer Omar Kamal with a night of jazz, swing and Arabic classics; a concert of global music and glamour with Pink Martini; an immersive multimedia experience in Pianographique, featuring works by Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Maurice Ravel, with live visualisations by Ars Electronica; an epic evening of piano concertos for two, three and four pianos with The Bach Project; and, to conclude the Festival, Compañía Nacional de Danza will make their Arab World Debut with Don Quixote. Abu Dhabi Festival continues its programme of international commissions and co-commissions which includes Carmen at the Royal Opera House, London until 16 March.
Throughout the Festival, a calendar of free events, exhibitions, performances, and workshops will also take place engaging, empowering, and nurturing the UAE’s creative scene. Highlights include the return of Festival in the Park at Umm Al Emarat Park with two nights of live performances and workshops, free for the public to attend; the return of Riwaq Al Fikr, the Festival’s annual debate and conversation series returning for its 15th edition; and the launch of Riwaq Al Khatt Al Arabi, celebrating the profound depths and expressiveness of Arabic calligraphy through workshops, professional courses, talks and discussion groups, exhibitions as well as an annual competition and award.
