Latest news with #AbuDhabiMusic&ArtsFoundation
CairoScene
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 Opens With New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, the opening event marks 50 years of UAE-Japan diplomatic relations. Feb 10, 2025 The Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 opened with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Yutaka Sado, marking their first-ever performance in the Arab world. Held at Emirates Palace, the concert featured tenor Jonathan Tetelman and pianist Kyohei Sorita. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the opening event marks 50 years of UAE-Japan diplomatic relations. The event included the Abu Dhabi Festival Award ceremony, honouring Japan's Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Shunichi Tokura, and architect Riken Yamamoto. The programme featured Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, and Puccini's Manon Lescaut. The festival also hosted educational initiatives, including masterclasses and open rehearsals with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, engaging young Emirati musicians. The festival runs until April 2025, featuring standout performances such as Kodo's Japanese drumming spectacle, Yunchan Lim's UAE debut with Bach's Goldberg Variations, and an All-Star Ballet Gala with dancers from the UK's Royal Ballet and Germany's Bayerisches Staatsballett.
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Festival opens submissions for first ‘Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition'
16 June 2025 14:14 ABU DHABI (WAM) Submissions are now open for the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition, launched by the Abu Dhabi Festival and organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF).The new global platform, created to amplify rising voices in contemporary music, aims to nurture creative talent, elevate young composers and champion innovation that will shape the future of music on the world to emerging and established composers up to the age of 50 from around the world, submissions for the inaugural competition are now open until 15th September will be announced on December 15, 2025, with the first-place winner receiving Dh130,000, a professional recording opportunity, and a world premiere performance with world-renowned partner orchestras at the 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival in April second-place winner will receive Dh50,000, along with a performance opportunity, global recognition and mentorship. The third-place winner will be awarded Dh25,000 and access to welcomes submissions from composers worldwide who must anonymously submit original, unpublished and unperformed works for consideration. Awards will be presented in two categories: orchestral compositions of up to 10 minutes, and solo works for piano up to 5 minutes, the featured instrument of the inaugural will be evaluated by a distinguished jury of renowned international composers and conductors across seven criteria, including originality, creativity and the ability to convey elegance, as well as intellectual depth. Technical proficiency, compositional technique, emotional impact and the integration of traditional instruments, melodies or rhythms from diverse musical heritages and styles will also be compositions will also be professionally recorded as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers' Platform more than a decade and a half ago, the platform supports music composers from around the world in presenting their work in Abu Dhabi and on the global stage. To date, the platform has produced 36 original compositions and 80 co-commissions, creating high-quality recordings that preserve both traditional and contemporary music.
Web Release
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Emirati Artists Take the Stage at London's Kensington Palace
Emirati performers captivated audiences at Kensington Palace with a night of operatic music, presenting a vibrant showcase of UAE culture on a prestigious international stage. The event featured talented artists Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish, who performed pieces in Arabic, Italian, and English. This concert was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival's Abroad program, held in partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust. The initiative aims to highlight Emirati cultural heritage through classical music while encouraging cross-cultural exchange. A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, stressed the significance of such events in promoting cultural understanding. 'If we do not tell our story, someone else will. And they will get it wrong,' she said. Alkhamis-Kanoo described the showcase as more than a one-time event, but as an ongoing commitment to bringing Emirati talent to the world stage. She added, 'It's about creating understanding, building dialogue, and showing the world the strength of our cultural identity through music. We invest in the young, we partner with the world, and we build cultural legacies that last.' Blending Tradition with Innovation The evening featured the debut of Ihab Darwish's new composition, Ruins of Time, which fused orchestral sounds with traditional Arabic influences. Darwish remarked, 'Music is the fastest way to reach people. It creates peace, it creates understanding. Music removes boundaries. It creates a shared language, a dialogue of coexistence, peace, and tolerance.' Meanwhile, Fatima Al-Hashimi explained her approach to preserving Arab identity within classical music: 'Even while singing in Italian, I included Arabic lyrics to keep our signature present.' Ahmed Al-Housani reflected on the significance of the event, calling it a 'professional milestone' and emphasising, 'Performing here is more than a concert, it's a message. We're here to show the world the strength and beauty of our culture.'
Al Etihad
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak honours winners of ADMAF Awards
25 May 2025 16:40 ABU DHABI (WAM)Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), honoured five recipients of the ADMAF Awards along with 22 graduates of the Young Media Leaders (YML) career development programme, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the UAE's next generation of creative industry professionals and strengthen their role in shaping the UAE's cultural and media Nahyan bin Mubarak said: 'We are pleased today to participate in this honourable celebration of a group of prominent media and cultural leaders. This occasion affirms our unwavering commitment to strengthening the position of youth in various development sectors and embodies our enlightened vision of investing in people as the true wealth of our nation. "As we honour this distinguished group of our youth, we honour ambition, merit, and giving, and celebrate the success stories that tell the story of the UAE in its ongoing pursuit of progress and leadership.'He added: "The year 2025, in which we celebrate the values of the Year of Community, represents an important occasion to consolidate the meanings of social cohesion, strengthen national solidarity, create sustainable spaces for dialogue and joint action, and transfer expertise between generations to preserve and develop our cultural heritage.'He continued: 'The pioneering initiatives and effective strategic partnerships undertaken by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) directly contribute to the development of a new generation of Emirati youth capable of expressing national identity through art, culture and modern media.'In the UAE, we view culture, media, and the arts as tools for human development, messages of peace, and means to strengthen identity and build bridges with peoples around the world. Through this ceremony, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering youth, and investing in their creative energies to contribute to the UAE's journey towards a brighter future based on tolerance, knowledge, innovation and social integration,' he Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), said: 'Honouring the winners of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation's (ADMAF) Creativity, Visual Arts, Sustainable Design, and Jewelry Design Awards in partnership with Gulf Capital, TotalEnergies, and L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts - alongside the graduation of students from the Young Media Leaders Programme (YML) in partnership with International Media Investments (IMI) - is a reflection of our commitment to investing in youth, supporting their career development, and realising their dreams and ambitions in the creative and media industries. It also enables them to keep pace with rapid changes in the fields of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.'She added: 'The recognition of 27 young men and women from the UAE is in line with the principles and values of the Year of Community, which includes community solidarity, preserving heritage, cherishing culture and identity, and encouraging innovation and leadership. It also reflects our belief in the importance of fostering creativity, recognising excellence and celebrating free and renewed thought.''Aligned with ADMAF's vision to strengthen the local media landscape, the programme offers a dedicated platform for university students and recent graduates through a series of interactive workshops and immersive learning experiences across traditional and digital media, social media and artificial year, a total of 22 students successfully graduated as part of the 2025 cohort under the guidance of leading media figures including Mohamed Al Hammadi, Acting Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Sulaiman Al-Hattlan, Founder and CEO of Hattlan Media, Nayla Tueni, CEO of Annahar Media Group, Mohamed Al Otaiba, CEO of Syndication Bureau, Faisal Bin Huraiz, Head of IMI Media Academy, and journalist Saeed Raad, CEO of International Media Investments (IMI), expressed his pride in graduating the seventh cohort of the 'Young Media Leaders' career development programme. He affirmed that the IMI Media Academy, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), delivered an intensive training experience within a real-world media environment, specifically designed to develop a confident, capable, and influential generation of media added: 'We take great pride in the results of this inspiring collaboration, and we truly value ADMAF's belief in our applied learning model, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This approach plays a key role in sharpening the skills of our youth and empowering them to create content that reflects our values, identity, and culture. "We are confident that this cohort—like those before it—will make a meaningful impact and leave its mark on the media landscape.'Celebrating excellence in the fields of performing and visual arts, sustainable design, and jewelry design the Foundation presents this year's awards in collaboration with Gulf Capital, TotalEnergies, and L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to recognizing outstanding achievement and nurturing creative talent across key artistic and design Karim El Solh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital, said: 'We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, an alliance that spans 14 years and continues to grow stronger each year, reflecting our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of creatives. "Through the Gulf Capital - ADMAF Awards, we're not just recognising young talent, we're opening doors, we're helping the youth turn their passion into purpose, giving them the tools, visibility and support they need to thrive in the fast-growing creative and cultural industries.''We remain deeply committed to nurturing the UAE's creative potential, and we look forward to continuing this journey with ADMAF, celebrating bold ideas, discovering and rewarding talent, and shaping a future where creativity drives progress.' Dr. El Solh Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award 2024 recognises creative excellence among youth in the performing arts, celebrating outstanding original work in music, dance, spoken word, or theatre. Dana Alkatheeri from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi received the award for her project The Founder's Legacy. The young artist's debut original composition reflects her deep respect for her country and serves as a tribute to the environmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Gulf Capital – ADMAF Visual Arts Award 2024 was presented to Abdulla Alneyadi of UAE University for his art installation Eternal Gateways, which blends architecture and sculpture to promote themes of unity and inclusivity. His winning piece draws inspiration from the traditional metal gates of UAE neighborhoods, symbolising both community and the importance of eco-conscious design, the TotalEnergies Sustainability Design Award 2024 was awarded to Tasneem Albaiti and Alreem Alameri from Zayed University for their innovative project Graphic Design's Contribution to Environmental Sustainability Through Leaf Waste-Derived Paper in the UAE. Their research explores sustainable alternatives to traditional paper production, focusing on the use of ghaf and palm leaves as eco-friendly substitutes for wood pulp, aiming to reduce environmental impact. In the field of craftsmanship and cultural heritage, the ADMAF Jewelry Design Award in partnership with L'ÉCOLE Middle East School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated Shamma Al Hammadi from the University of Sharjah for her jewelry design Al Dana wa Al Khawasa, which draws inspiration from Emirati culture, incorporating the tradition of pearl diving while merging storytelling with exquisite artisanal jewelry technique.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Umm Al Emarat Park unites community in record-breaking season, welcoming 400,000 visitors from over 90 nationalities
22 May 2025 16:44 ABU DHABI (WAM)Umm Al Emarat Park has concluded its most impactful season yet welcoming 400,000 visitors from over 90 nationalities between October 2024 to April UAE's Year of Community declaration served as a renewed call for the Park to place togetherness and inclusivity at the heart of its efforts, inspiring a season shaped by community engagement, cross-cultural appreciation and collective season, Umm Al Emarat Park remained committed to its mission of Enrich, Explore, Experience, and Educate. Through diverse programmes and activities, the Park enriched the lives of visitors by offering a welcoming space for relaxation, connection, and wellbeing. Children were encouraged to explore and nurture their curiosity through nature-inspired play areas and interactive installations. Families and individuals alike enjoyed engaging experiences, from cultural events to outdoor wellness sessions, that left lasting Park also continued to play a vital educational role, raising awareness around conservation and the environment through workshops, guided tours and partnerships with sustainability-focused on the success of the season, Rasha Kablawi, official spokesperson for Umm Al Emarat Park, said, 'As we conclude another exciting season at the Park, we want to thank our visitors, staff, partners and community for their continued support and enthusiasm. We remain committed to our vision of creating a vibrant space where families and communities can connect, explore, and enrich their experiences and create moments to treasure. This season's mission to bring people together, encourage cultural exchange and promote sustainable living truly came to life.'She added, 'Together, we continue to nurture an inclusive, vibrant and nature-filled destination for all and look forward to welcoming everyone back next season for more fun and adventure.'The Park also hosted 59 community events and delivered 50 educational packages to over 3,300 students, promoting lifelong learning. The Park Market returned for the fourth consecutive year with 164 vendors offering artisan goods, food trucks and more, attracting families with over 7,000 giveaways and 510 child and family-focused activities – a 59% increase from the Park Market's previous year. Live performances, sports and fitness activities and wellness sessions established the Park Market as a top weekend events like the Forbes 30 under 30 summit, The RAGE, Miami Vibes and The Cove brought a modern, engaging energy to the Park, featuring food trucks, retail experiences, and interactive activities. These vibrant gatherings not only united the community but also highlighted the Park's ongoing support for local Al Emarat Park's 2024-2025 season was powered by valuable partnerships that amplified its community impact. Notable collaborations included the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), which brought back the beloved Festival in the Park, attracting over 4,000 attendees. The Early Childhood Fair, hosted in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, welcomed 28,000 visitors, providing a rich platform for learning and Park also worked closely with Emirates Red Crescent during Ramadan, distributing 1,500 community iftar boxes and organising a special iftar at Ramadan Garden for 180 orphans. The Park also partnered with the American Center to host an Autism Awareness event, bringing together more than 150 participants for an engaging and informative day dedicated to fostering understanding and Al Emarat Park continues to serve as a platform for immersive cultural and artistic experiences across Abu Dhabi. This season, the Park supported the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale by hosting acclaimed artist Kabir Mohanty's installation at its iconic Shade House, inviting visitors to reflect on space, sound and sensory interaction in a natural season also saw prestigious brand collaborations including Tiffany & Co. and Roger Vivier, further cementing the Park's position as a premium destination for brand expression and experiential storytelling. These elegant partnerships reflect Umm Al Emarat Park's unique appeal as a vibrant, nature-filled space where global luxury brands can engage meaningfully with diverse part of its ongoing efforts to promote community wellbeing, Umm Al Emarat Park partnered with Celestial Karisma to host a series of wellness sessions designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation in nature. Held at the Park's Evening and Botanical Gardens, the programme featured calming Sound Healing sessions and peaceful Mindful Morning gatherings. These sessions also offered free community events that marked key occasions including Pink October and International Women's Day, creating meaningful moments of reflection and connection and reinforcing Park's role as a sanctuary for rejuvenation and community a champion of sustainable living, Umm Al Emarat Park's embrace of the UAE Environment Vision 2030 saw a season-long commitment to conservation and education. The Park hosted six sustainability workshops, helping to educate visitors about the impact of their actions and encouraging a positive environmental partnership with Tadweer Group, the Park collected 6,411 aluminum cans and plastic bottles through on-site Reverse Vending Machines. The collaboration with A1R to Water led to the installation of five atmospheric water generation machines across iconic park locations, producing over 11,000 litres of water – preventing the use of 22,014 single-use plastic bottles and 1.81 tonnes of carbon Day was marked with gardening workshops and awareness activities that engaged over 50 visitors, while educational programmes and guided tours raised awareness around the importance of conservation. The Park's Animal Barn welcomed new residents, including the Arabian Oryx, and conducted over 250,000 activities designed to foster empathy and curiosity while connecting children gently with its commitment to sustainability and creative expression, the Park, through a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, also hosted the Datecrete Bee Hotel, the winning artwork of the 2024 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award. Crafted from eco-friendly material made of date pits and free from traditional concrete, the installation was designed to attract solitary bees and encourage ecological line with the UAE's core values of openness, respect and peaceful coexistence, Umm Al Emarat Park inaugurated the 'Gardens of Tolerance' and celebrated cultural diversity through a series of events representing various nationalities. The Park hosted community gatherings showcasing Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Ukrainian cultures, featuring music, food and traditional activities to encourage cross-cultural 3,000 attendees experienced the Ramadan Iftar Garden, an open-air communal iftar under the stars, accompanied by traditional oud performances. The Iftar Cannon ceremony at the Park's main entrance served as a symbolic focal point for communal gatherings during Ramadan, further promoting unity and reflection. The Park also held 13 traditional Emirati workshops led by 26 Emirati seniors and artisans, helping to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. Falconry shows, an important Emirati tradition, were performed 163 times, further deepening cultural appreciation among visitors.
