Spring Looking at Life Through a Lens

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1 Spring 2015 FESTIVAL EDITION #2 ADMAF Looking at Life Through a Lens Maitha Al Abri takes a look at an exciting new exhibition of contemporary Emirati art at the Abu Dhabi Festival Reem Falaknaz. Untitled. From the series, The Place of Perpetual Undulation Series C-print. These photos were produced with the support of NYU Abu Dhabi s FIND program, Arab Fund for Art and Culture, Prince Claus Fund, and Magnum Foundation. Courtesy of the artist It s well known that the UAE has been taking a huge interest in the visual arts in recent years. This month in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Festival is bringing together many Emirati artists for a major new exhibition called Emirati Insights to share their work and experience. Alongside the exhibition, there is an event called Artists In Conversation on Wednesday, 1 April at 6.30pm at The Gallery, Emirates Palace. Join artist and curator Noor Al Suwaidi and Emirati Insights artists Reem Falaknaz and Ammar Al Attar as they discuss their work and the growth of photography in the UAE. As the visual arts sector continues to flourish in the UAE, so does its fan base. The nation s artists are proudly expressing themselves through photography, mixed media and video showing the contemporary side of Emirati culture. Presented at Emirates Palace, which is considered to be one of the best tourism landmarks in Abu Dhabi, the exhibition will expose a multi-cultural audience to the thoughts and opinions of some of the country s most exciting artists. It is a blast to have that many Emirati artists in a single gallery - showing and discussing art and its connections. The chance to meet and get to know them and their artwork a little more is a welcome addition. Do not forget to join us for this month-long adventure with an Emirati twist. It is a blast to have that many Emirati artists in a single gallery Emirati Insights is open daily at The Gallery, Emirates Palace from 20 March to 20 April. For more information, pick up an Abu Dhabi Festival brochure. Christo Returns ADMAF s Young Media Leaders review the third edition of the Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award for young artists. 2 The Magic of Mozart Eman Al Hashemi reveals an exciting new show that encourages young children to tune in to classical music The Abu Dhabi Festival is bringing a leading Australian pianist to introduce classical music to little people. Sydney Opera House presents Babies Proms: Meeting Mozart is an experience not to be missed, appealing to children between two and five years old. Dressed up as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Simon Tedeschi will introduce his audience to everything from Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik as well as operatic arias. Simon is something of a prodigy himself. He first performed one of Mozart s piano concertos at the age of nine at the Sydney Opera House. From 1990 to 2000 he studied piano in Australia, USA and UK with some of the greatest teachers. Talking about his latest incarnation, Simon says, Mozart is the greatest contradiction in the universe. The marriage between innocence and gravitas makes him the biggest kid of them all. I jumped at the chance to play Mozart not only because his music speaks to me with a directness that is unmatched, but because I have always been fascinated with this beguiling character who wrote music as if guided by both the ineffable forces of nature and whatever lies beyond. The opportunity to share this experience with the young (and the young at heart) will let me be a kid and communicate in a language that will hopefully remain with them for the rest of their lives. Meeting Mozart is a fun and enjoyable show for parents as well. Simon mixes the beauty of Mozart with singing and dancing in order to introduce the younger generation to one of the world s greatest musicians. An experience not to be missed Sydney Opera House presents Babies Proms: Meeting Mozart is at The Club, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, March 24 (3.30pm, 5pm, 6.30pm) and Wednesday, March 25 (9am, 11am). It will be at Al Ain Municipality Theatre on Thursday, March 26 (11am, 4pm) Doctor s Orders Creative Canvas Meera Al Dhaheri speaks to the artist Noor Al Suwaidi. 4 Fatima Akeel looks ahead to the Festival s Music in Hospitals series ADMAF Tribune Summer Spring

2 Capital Beats with a Virtuoso Flair If you re looking to enjoy one of the great concertos of all time, you ve come to the right place writes Eman Al Hashemio Harald Hoffmann As always, this year s Abu Dhabi Festival is bringing the finest musicians from around the world. Firstly, we have the great maestro Riccardo Muti who has conducted some of the most important orchestras in the world; from the Berlin Philharmonic to the Bayerischer Rundfunk. He received the decoration of Officer of the Legion of Honour from the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Also, he is also the founder of The Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra, which consists of young musicians selected from some 600 applicants from all over Italy. The Orchestra has played some captivating pieces from Baroque to 20th-century music in many Italian cities as well as on major tours spanning Moscow, Vienna, Paris, Salzburg, Cologne, St. Petersburg, Madrid and Buenos Aires, and others. Joining them for their UAE debut is a solo violinist who has been at the top for 35 years now. The beautiful Anne-Sophie Mutter is known for her passionate and emotional playing as well as a flawless technique. She continues to stretch her musical talent in the world of classical music and has performed in different parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. Although she tends to focus on masterpieces by Brahms, Bruch, Dvorak and Mozart, Beethoven is her chosen composer for the Abu Dhabi Festival. It s no wonder that over the years, she has been awarded important honorary prizes. In 2012, she received The Distinguished Artistic Leadership Award by the Atlantic Council. Presented in association with the Embassies of Italy and Germany, the concert will feature the ever-popular William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini, Franz Schubert s Symphony No.4 in C minor, and Beethoven s Violin Concerto in D. It s sure to offer some captivating, beautiful and inspiring notes for the capital s musicloving audience. Don t miss the pre-concert talk with Antonio De Rosa, the General Manager of the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra, just before curtain-up at 7pm. Captivating, beautiful and inspiring notes for the capital s musicloving audience Beethoven Violin Concerto will take place at Emirates Palace on March 25 at 8pm. It s Good to Talk During his visit to the UAE capital, Maitha Al Abri caught up with a leading media pioneer who is bringing countries together through dialogue As a Canadian undertaking his PhD in Washington DC, Dr Aaron Lobel began to wonder about the state of media communications between the US and the rest of the world. Then 9/11 happened and he was convinced that the USA needed more contact with the Middle East. And so America Abroad Media (AAM) was born, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering independent media and civil society through the production of in-depth media programming. Through shows on issues such as legislation and women s rights, AAM started conducting much needed conversations through the media. It wasn t too long before Dr Lobel started to get other organisations involved to help in his cause. AAM s plans in the UAE are numerous One of the AAM initiatives is called The Town Hall, which enables people to interact in the age of globalisation. It hosts global discussions that connect people in the US with other countries like Jordan and Egypt. It even brings together other countries without even involving the US such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. AAM s plans in the UAE are numerous, but the one upper most in Dr. Lobel s mind is a series of talks about Islam and Science. We hope it will start soon. This is something to look forward to! Visit America Abroad Media online at 2

3 Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award Returns The winning work of The 2015 Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award was unveiled at the New York University Abu Dhabi campus last week. In an interview with Maitha Al Abri, the world-renowned artist Christo said that he was very proud of Keswa by Salwa Al Khudairi and Nada Al Mulla and was impressed by the collaboration that resulted in such a well-fabricated piece. He praised the 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival for supporting young Emirati artists and encouraging artistic expression. The Dynamic Duo Two students from the American University of Sharjah win one of the country s largest art awards writes Afra Al Hammadi The abaya was the inspiration and focus of an award-winning design this month that caught the eye of one of the art world s leading figures. American University of Sharjah architecture students Salwa Al Khudairi and Nada Al Mulla are the winners of the highly competitive 2015 Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award. Born and bred in Saudi Arabia, the two ladies are experts in abayas and the artistic possibilities they offer. Their latest creative endeavour consists of a framed wall which curves in various directions is called Keswa - an ancient Arabic word carrying the meaning of a veil, a piece of cloth that wraps around certain parts of the female body signifying the upmost modesty. This was the aim and inspiration of the project, which they envisioned. I am very proud of her. Any father in my place would do the same The steel structure representing a public shelter, stands six metres tall at its highest point and three metres in length and allows people to walk underneath it in addition to sitting and leaning against it if required. To experience this great architectural project of cultural magnificence by Salwa and Nada, visit New York University Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island before 2 April. Miss it and you will need to travel to two other destinations on its nationwide tour - Liwa and Sharjah - later this year, A great architectural project of cultural magnificence A Father s Pride Ahmad Al Jassmi meets the man behind one half of the winning team for Keswa When asked about winning the latest edition of The Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award, co-creator Salwa Al Khudairi said, We wanted to make something related to our culture. We wear abayas and our friends wear abayas so we wanted to represent it as a vernacular and original symbol. Among the large audience who attended the unveiling of the public artwork stood Salwa s father. When asked about his daughter s work, he said that her talent had been apparent even in childhood and that she had decided to go to the American University of Sharjah at an early age. I am supporting her to study at whatever university on this planet she wants and for whatever major she likes. She regularly worked until the midnight to complete the project. Some nights, they were even dismissed from the university campus. I am very proud of her. Any father in my place would do the same. Mr Al Khudairi also paid tribute to the American University of Sharjah, commending its facilities and the mentors who worked with his daughter and Nada Al Mulla, giving them valuable advice along the way. The two artists were incredibly pleased to have won. It shows that people can look alike from the outside, but each one has personal qualities that makes them different inside, said Nada. Keswa stretched their capabilities, tested their limits and pushed their skills to the edge. But in the end, their ideas come to life. 3

4 Holger Talinski Listen to the Notes of a Genius Maitha Al Abri is looking forward to a night where the piano steps into the spotlight celebration of classical music is A never complete without a piano masterpiece, or at least that is what I personally think. This year s Abu Dhabi Festival concurs and is presenting the great Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, conducted by Iván Fischer with the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Presented in association with the Embassy of Hungary and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, this magical spectacular of classical music with its blend of international artists comes under the umbrella of the 12th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival and is just one of many surprises in store for audiences. Even before the concert on 26 March, there will be an inspiring talk with the Norwegian pianist where audience members will have the chance to delve into the minds of great musicians and explore the mixture of cultures coming together under one roof at Emirates Palace theatre. The evening is sure to inspire the magic that is within us all. So come along and enjoy a night of wonder filled with the melodies of the great composers. This is going to be an unforgettable evening for people who are interested in classical music. A magical spectacular of classical music with its blend of international artists Piano Masterpieces takes place at Emirates Palace on 26 March. Visit Theatre for The Modern Man Eman Al Hashemi joined fellow Young Media Leaders for the debut performance of the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the UAE capital was killing his lover, the whole ambiance changed from comedic into thrilling. The Q brothers did a great job in manipulating the feelings of the audience. With an all-male cast, Desdemona, Othello s wife (one of the main characters in Shakespeare s play) was not seen by the audience on stage. Only her pre-recorded singing voice was heard, which added a feeling of creepiness and anticipation - everyone was waiting for her to appear at any moment. At the end of the play, we all realised that we felt her existence even without an actual performer playing the role. The acting was great. With the use of fake, cheap wigs, the actors were able to pull off the scenes featuring women without actually having any onstage. It made a lot of difference because if there were to be a woman, it wouldn t have been as funny as it was. One of my absolute favourite moments was when they all started performing like Dreamgirls, which was so creative and unexpected. When creativity meets literature on stage, you understand what real magic is. In the latest theatre production by the Abu Dhabi Festival, an outstanding mixture of hip-hop and rap was presented to the audience in a very unique way. The Q brothers recreated one of Shakespeare s best stories (Othello) and mixed it with our modern day art. The constant beat never stopped, words weren t spoken but rapped. The speed of their rapping was extraordinary, and they didn t stumble over the words or mumble. The audience was impressed by how well they could rap. Bringing out the best of both the old and the modern art of dance, the chemistry between the performers was breathtaking. Their well-choreographed movements seemed effortless, they never missed a beat and they seemed to enjoy every moment on the stage. The real creativity in this play lies in turning William Shakespeare s most personal, tragic play into a hilarious romp. There were so many funny moments that sent the audience into tears of laughter. However when Othello So many funny moments that sent the audience into tears of laughter This play was perfectly preformed. It succeeded in pleasing both students and the older generation. So if you re a fan of hip-hop or literature, this play will captivate you with all its creative elements. 4

5 A Spoonful of Medicinal Music The best remedy is a good tune so says Fatema Akeel as she previews Music in Hospitals Over 2500 years ago, Greek philosophers believed that music was a medicine and could play a huge role in treating diseases. In fact, they discovered that music therapy could affect many people and help reduce certain symptoms. Millennia later, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is keeping the tradition alive by presenting all kinds of arts, including music, in various hospitals across the UAE. The 2015 Abu Dhabi Festival has a series of recitals featuring young Emirati musicians performing music on the guitar, oud and piano for the patients and staff of many hospitals in the Emirates. The initiative begins with a one-hour concert starting at 5.30pm on March 23 at Ras Al Khaimah Hospital. The next day Tawam Hospital in the garden city of Al Ain will play be filled with music from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Then it s onto the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre at 1pm on March 29. The tour finishes at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi on March 30, from 11am to midday. Music in Hospitals hopes to bring happiness to everyone in healthcare, whether patients or a practitioners. These special musical moments aim to enhance the lives of people in many ways. Music in Hospitals hopes to bring happiness to everyone in healthcare A Day to Remember Fatema Akeel and Hessa Al Qayed look back on Young Artists Day and its evening concert where young musicians hit the high notes Young Artists Day returned to Abu Dhabi Theatre on Saturday, March 14. An Abu Dhabi Festival tradition for the last seven years, talented students from the capital as well as neighbouring emirates came together to perform before a live audience. After a daytime showcase of student talent, the evening gave way to an inspirational concert by gifted young musicians who performed a new arrangement created with Decoda, an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall. The group performed Ahwak featuring Sherine Tohamy on the oud who also gave a solo rendition of her own song, Najma (named after her daughter). Abu Dhabi Festival s Community & Education programme always makes sure to give creative young musicians the chance to engage with different cultures. Many people attended, including students from Abu Dhabi schools, well-known artists and parents. The audience enjoyed it and were amazed to hear such high quality and professional music performed by young people. Hassan was in the audience: I loved how they performed the song Ahwak, he said. It s originally a song by the Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez but this was really fantastic. After the show, people started taking pictures with the soloists, chamber groups, choirs, bands and orchestras, congratulating parents on their children s success. The students were really happy to have accomplished. Nicholas Kohn was one of them. He described his journey with the viola and spoke about how hard he has prepared for this event. I rehearsed six hours every day for one week, he said. It was hard, especially learning the Arabic music but it was worth it in the end. His mother felt particularly proud of what Nicolas has done since moving to the UAE four years ago. He started music when he was nine years old but Abu Dhabi has changed his life. He found really good support here and has continued to practice his music through workshops that ADMAF has provided. An inspirational concert by gifted young musicians Another young musician, Nicolas, will be moving to London soon to develop his gift. His mother was not only excited about his performance, but was also incredibly thankful for the decision they took to move to Abu Dhabi five years ago. The city has made a big contribution to Nicolas s progress, as he has spent the last four years making music with Decoda at the Abu Dhabi Festival. His next stop is the prestigious Royal Music Academy in London. I stand there looking at all those incredible young creative students, and remind myself that this happened in Abu Dhabi, he said. Music never lies and what I heard was the truth - that these talented people have taken their first steps on a long journey - a journey into the world of music and art. 5

6 The Canvas of Creativity Meera Al Dhaheri talks to Noor Al Suwaidi, the Emirati artist making a name for herself Abu Dhabi artist and curator Noor Al Suwaidi has been a creative individual since nine years of age. She is part of ADMAF National s Gallery, a growing group of established and emerging artists gaining exposure, support and experience. This month, visit The Abu Dhabi Festival Commissions at The Gallery, Emirates Palace, to view a beautiful artwork by Noor. Noor pursued her career as an artist in the UK and US. She studied Visual Communication at the American University of Sharjah and graduated in 2004 with a BA in Studio Art from the American University, Washington D.C. In 2009, she obtained an MA in Curating Contemporary Design from Kingston University, in London and had her first solo exhibition back in 2011 entitled Like Coral, I Create Clouds. Noor is widely known because of her artistic style. As mentioned in an article in The Gulf News, she claims, All my paintings are drawn from my own life experiences. In a way, each painting is a self-portrait, depicting an emotion or the result of a host of emotions that I may have felt at some stage in life. Just about anything in my life can act as a muse - from an odd encounter to a piece of music I heard, to my own voice deep inside me. The article also mentions that her dream in life is to continue doing all that she have done right now. Her amazing abstract artworks are breathtaking - mysterious images that look so peculiar yet are so artistically perfect. The brilliant use of colour in her paintings is definitely unusual yet quite stunning. As the viewer, you immediately get lost in her imagination even though her work seems simple. I had the pleasure of interviewing Noor and started off by asking about her source of inspiration. In Ode to the Bouquets, The Abu Dhabi Festival Commission, Noor was inspired by French floral still lives of the 19th century - blending both an examination and a meditation of painting culture and nature. Furthermore, Noor is proud of all her artworks and considers each one as a masterpiece. She also says, All the works have a special place with me. As for her future plans, Noor wants to continue working hard and is contemplating further studies. The Abu Dhabi Festival Commissions at The Gallery, Emirates Palace are open on Sunday - Thursday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm; and Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm until April 20. Can STEAM power the new generation? Meera Al Dhaheri asks the burning question about changing the way we learn The Magic Flute The latest operatic production by The Budapest Festival Orchestra is hotly anticipated says Meera Al Dhaheri Technology has become an important part in our society today. Through its use, students are exploring endless abilities to be creative. Technology can be applied in everyday life and is considered essential for everything. Digital devices are not just information machines, but also a new medium for design and expression. Through education, we are able to unravel our creative abilities in the society we live in. As the UAE encourages more focus on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Riwaq Al Fikr / The Abu Dhabi Festival Debates this month will bring together representatives from the UAE s education sector, international academics and arts education professionals in a discussion. Featuring John Dennehy, Janet Bellotto, Russell Granet and Stéphan Vincent- Lancrin, the panel will discuss and raise awareness around the importance of why the younger generation has to apply creativity to achieve innovation. STEAM education is the creativity trigger that will help students develop their thinking and other essential skills. It encourages the younger generation to bring out their hidden artistic selves, and express themselves in ways they have never been able to do before. STEAM education disciplines are creativity triggers Education for Innovation: The Role of the Arts in STEM Education takes place at New York University Abu Dhabi on Saturday, March 21, pm. Fine singing, wonderful costumes and a fascinating story is soon to be experienced in Mozart s classical opera, The Magic Flute. The story centres on the noble Prince Tamino, as he embarks on a dangerous quest, lost in a mythical land between the sun and the moon. His destination is the temple of the evil wizard Sarastro and his mission is to rescue the beautiful Pamina, daughter of the mysterious Queen of the Night. This opera isn t just entertaining; it s enjoyable to watch and listen and is great for all ages! The Budapest Festival Orchestra and conductor Iván Fischer are famous for their staged performances of Mozart s operas, considered among the best in the world. Directed by Fischer and coproduced with the Budapest Palace of Arts, this production of The Magic Flute is their latest collaboration. The production might be set in a mythical land with strange creatures and wondrous spirits, but this much-loved opera is not only a fairy tale but also an 18thcentury comment on the idea of the Enlightenment. Flourishing between the late 17th and late 18th century, the idea was based on a belief in reason and wisdom over superstition and intolerance. Do not miss your chance to attend this gorgeously whimsical production that will be performed in Emirates Palace on the 28 and 30 March. Be assured that you will have a spectacular night at The Magic Flute. A mythical land with strange creatures and wondrous spirits 6