In its 19th edition, the Abu Dhabi Festival commissioned and produced Symphony #5 by internationally renowned Emirati composer Mohammed Fairouz, which will be performed by the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra, furthering the relationship between the LSO and the ADMAF, which began twelve years ago when the orchestra toured in Abu Dhabi with Sir Colin Davis.
In four movements, Alameen (Worlds)—Shapes, Harmony—The Ummah (Nation), Iqra(Read)—Infinite Variations, and Ascent—Line and Illumination, Symphony #5 is inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, and explores the story of the country and its values of peace and tolerance.
The global premiere will be webcast on ADMAF’s website on Thursday, May 19, 2022, following the live recording of the symphony in January 2022 at LSO St Luke’s in London, conducted by Lee Reynolds.
Distinguished Lady Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, contacted the bright young composer to write a symphony reflecting the United Arab Emirates’ culture and values as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2022.
His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated he is looking forward to the world premiere and seeing “two world-class performers coming together in what will undoubtedly be a spectacular performance.”
The renowned composer is one of his generation’s most regularly performed, commissioned, and recorded composers. The world premiere of his Symphony #5 with the LSO, one of the world’s top orchestras, is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Overseas program’s objective to provide Emirati artists more awareness abroad and to highlight the UAE’s artistic brilliance on the global stage.
The 19th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival 2022 is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and is supported by Lead Partner Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Energy Partner GS Energy, with the theme “Crafting the Emirates State of Mind: Creation, Innovation, and Joy.” Over 1,000 artists from around the world will take part in the Abu Dhabi Festival 2022, which will feature over 300 performances and events. Two globe tours and 17 world debuts will be part of the 19th edition.
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation’s contribution to the UAE capital’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Music in 2022 is the 2022 Abu Dhabi Festival.