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The illustrious career of Bryn Terfel opened a new chapter this week as the world-renowned Welsh opera star makes his debut appearance in the Arab world in the tenth anniversary gala concert of the Abu Dhabi Festival on March 26 at the spectacular Emirates Palace auditorium.
Terfel will demonstrate the remarkable vocal agility that has won him numerous Grammy, Classical Brit and Gramophone Awards as well as the opera world’s most coveted roles, taking the audience through popular arias and favourite Welsh songs. He will be accompanied on the musical journey by Russia’s acclaimed Mariinsky Opera’s leading soprano, Victoria Yastrebova.
The evening, which marks the 2013 Abu Dhabi Festival Gala, is the final main programme performance of the Festival’s 10th edition. In celebration of its ‘Decade of Distinction,’ the Festival Gala will also present the world premiere of the specially-commissioned symphonic work ‘Poème Orientale,’ by Lebanese composer Bechara El-Khoury.
Following the glittering gala evening, Terfel will perform on March 27 with the stars of tomorrow, joining the choirs of Brighton College Abu Dhabi and the Emirati a capella quartet SAMA for an inspirational evening of song conducted by Tim Rhys Evans, founder of the Welsh choirs Only Men Aloud! and Only Boys Aloud!
Her Excellency Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Bryn Terfel’s two performances speak to his graciousness as a performer and his generosity in nurturing a new generation of musicians. To take the stage with accomplished peers one evening, then the next day elevate young students to his level by giving his time and inspiring them with his presence—this is a true artist and someone who believes in the spirit of art to reach across boundaries of age, culture and ability. The Festival has cherished this belief since its inception, and Terfel’s accommodation of these two events side by side epitomizes that outlook. Audiences at both events are certain to experience a musical evening to remember.”
Terfel is globally recognized as a leading interpreter of Wagner, and his incredibly diverse range as a concert performer has taken him around the world. He boasts ten solo recordings, and for nine years hosted his own music festival in Wales. He is supported in Abu Dhabi by the Czech Philharmonic, one of the world’s top orchestras.
The Abu Dhabi Festival began on March 3 and has seen performances by celebrated international artists such as Chinese piano sensation YUNDI and Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil. Community events and exhibitions continue until March 31.
Information on the Festival’s remaining few days can be found on its website on www.abudhabifestival.ae.
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