Internationally renowned artist Anoushka Shankar wowed audiences last night during a spectacular performance that marked the opening night of Abu Dhabi Festival 2012. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading sitar players, and the only artist to be trained exclusively by her father, the legendary Ravi Shankar, Anoushka’s incredible talent and unique music style made for a memorable show. The evening also hosted the inauguration of Hassan Massoudy’s visual arts exhibition, which is both an Arab World premier and Abu Dhabi Festival Commission, and the presentation of the Abu Dhabi Festival Award and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Creativity Award.

Amongst those attending the Gala opening were His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research President and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala, His Excellency Fuad Siniora - Former Prime Minister of Lebanon and His Excellency, Mr. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to the UAE.

Following the show, Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Every year we aim to showcase the diversity of the world’s artists and genres by bringing a taste of global music and performances to the nation’s capital. With Anoushka’s involvement in this year’s festival, we broke new ground with her mesmerising young talent renowned the world over and set a new bar for future performances. Deeply rooted in Indian classical music, Anoushka Shankar is a unique artist with sensational talent and understanding of the great musical tradition of, not only India, but the world”

Dr. B.R. Shetty, Managing Director and CEO, NMC Healthcare, the event sponsor of Anoushka Shankar’s Arab World Premier said “I believe this event will further showcase to the rest of the world our great leaders, our people and our culture. I want to thank H Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, for her leadership and commitment in organizing such an event that has tremendous social and cultural benefits for our city and our region.”

“As we know Anoushka Shankar is one of the greatest contemporary sitar players in the world who combines lyrical insight with world-class instrumental prowess. This year, the proceeds will go to The Brave Heart Fund and World Food Programme (WFP),” he concluded.

Last night’s Abu Dhabi Festival also officially opened the Middle East premiere of Iraqi artist and calligrapher, Hassan Massoudy’s, Gestures of Light. The exhibition comprises a selection of works that combine Massoudy’s signature calligraphy with a new set of never-before-exhibited paintings on canvas. Massoudy’s art perfectly illustrates how oriental and occidental styles unite in the pursuit of higher aesthetic harmony. The exhibition continues until 15 April.

Music notes
Using the sitar, tabla, shehnai, percussion and Spanish guitar, Anoushka employed her virtuosity throughout the performance at the Emirates Palace Auditorium to deliver a powerful collection of pieces from her album Traveller. Showcasing the evolutionary bridge between flamenco and Indian music Anoushka’s performance included the Spanish forms of flamenco, fandango, buleria and tango.

Released in October 2011, Traveller is Anoushka Shankar’s sixth full-length album. Tracing the musical commonalities of the gypsies’ journey from their homeland in Rajasthan, passing through Iran, Iraq and Armenia and finally settling in Spain, Anoushka re-forges the link, separated by a thousand years, between Spanish and Indian music. Anoushka has flourished as a performer and composer, giving as many as 80 concerts per year. She has toured Europe, India and the USA sharing the stage with many of the world’s top musicians along the way, including Sting, Madonna, Elton John, Peter Gabriel and James Taylor. As her career continues to blossom, she is poised to carry forward her father’s legacy as one of the most creative and influential figures in the music world.

“I am so excited to have performed in Abu Dhabi for the first time and privileged to be part of this unique festival. I live a global life and believe that the Abu Dhabi Festival is a true global platform for artistic expression. My album Traveller represents a cross-cultural journey so it is only fitting that I performed it in such a diverse city and to an international audience. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to share my music with the people of Abu Dhabi” commented Anoushka Shankar.

Abu Dhabi Festival 2011
The Festival continues its commitment to showcasing the very best of the arts, with a schedule combining classical music, theatre and performing arts, jazz, ballet and fine arts. The programme crosses cultures and explores the past, present and future of artistic expression.
Between 11 March and 6 April, the Abu Dhabi Festival will play host to a range of talented artists, performers and musicians. 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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