Abu Dhabi Festival will once again expand the boundaries of cultural excellence in the UAE in 2012 by celebrating the diversity of music from all over the world under the banner ‘Connecting Cultures’. Performances from Anoushka Shankar, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest sitar players and Oud master Naseer Shamma and the Global Music Ensemblewill each testify to the unifying power of music in two electrifying performances at the Emirates Palace.

On March 19th, Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, will perform an evening of Raga-Flamenco music featuring pieces from the world renowned sitirist’s first CD on Deutsche Grammophon. ‘Traveller’ brings together the diverse music of Spain with the vibrant, ancient styles of classical Indian tradition. By tracing the musical DNA of the Gypsies’ journey from their homeland in Rajasthan before finally settling in Spain,Anoushka re-forges the musical link, separated by a thousand years, between India and Spain.

On March 24th, the acclaimed Iraqi oud player Naseer Shamma, teams up with a hugely talented group of musicians for the Global Music Ensemble. This promises to be an evening of unprecedented musical creativity, the Global Music Ensemble is an Abu Dhabi Festival Commission and World Premiere event. The ensemble will fuse the music of Spanish guitar, oud, percussion, upright bass, clarinet, harp and piano to transcend genres and blend influences. This is a not-to-be-missed evening of cutting edge musical discovery.

There are three ways to purchase tickets for both performances: online at www.timeouttickets.com/abudhabifestival; through the Abu Dhabi Festival ticket hotline number +971 50 907 6158; and in person at the Emirates Palace Box Office. The Box Office is open daily from 10am to 1pm and again from 4pm to 7pm. Students can take advantage of a 50% discount upon presentation of a valid Student ID card.

Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi Festival 2012

Diamond (stalls) 495 AED
Pearl (upper stalls/balcony)295 AED

For further information and details of the full Abu Dhabi Festival programme, ‘like’ us on Facebook and ‘follow’ us on Twitter or visit www.abudhabifestival.ae

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