• Mayssa Karaa, a Lebanese vocalist, songwriter and Berklee alumni, performs at the opening night of Berklee Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    Mayssa Karaa, a Lebanese vocalist, songwriter and Berklee alumni, performs at the opening night of Berklee Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • Annette Philip, a faculty member of Berklee College of Music who is also a vocalist, composer-arranger, producer, pianist and choral specialist, performing with Emmy-winning American composer Stephen Webber
    Annette Philip, a faculty member of Berklee College of Music who is also a vocalist, composer-arranger, producer, pianist and choral specialist, performing with Emmy-winning American composer Stephen Webber
  • Robert Gould, a creative entrepreneur, singer, actor, and motivational speaker, entertains the audience
    Robert Gould, a creative entrepreneur, singer, actor, and motivational speaker, entertains the audience
  • American guitarist Steve Vai performs
    American guitarist Steve Vai performs
  • Vai tweeted that he was 'excited to be performing' at the opening
    Vai tweeted that he was 'excited to be performing' at the opening
  • Ballet dancers took to the stage for an ethereal show
    Ballet dancers took to the stage for an ethereal show
  • Ballet dancers took to the stage for an ethereal show
    Ballet dancers took to the stage for an ethereal show
  • Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, enjoying the performances
    Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, enjoying the performances
  • Robert Gould performed with Stephen Webber
    Robert Gould performed with Stephen Webber
  • Shor Police, otherwise known as Indian pop duo Bianca Gomes and Clinton Cerejo, blend Bollywood music with international pop originals
    Shor Police, otherwise known as Indian pop duo Bianca Gomes and Clinton Cerejo, blend Bollywood music with international pop originals
  • Annette Philip performs
    Annette Philip performs
  • Audience members enjoy the opening night
    Audience members enjoy the opening night

Music

Dancers, singers and a Steve Vai cameo: Berklee Abu Dhabi opens its doors

Berklee Abu Dhabi marked its official opening with a series of vibrant performances on Saturday

Ashleigh Stewart

March 01, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

World-renowned American music and performing arts college Berklee College of Music has opened its doors in the UAE.

Berklee Abu Dhabi launched with a series of vibrant performances, including an appearance by award-winning American music producer and guitar legend Steve Vai.

The 1979 Berklee College of Music graduate, who started playing with the legendary Frank Zappa and his band in 1980, is a three-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most well-known guitarists in the world.

Other notable alumni performed at the colourful opening, including Lebanese vocalist and songwriter Mayssa Karaa, Emmy-winning American composer Stephen Webber and Indian pop duo Shor Police.

Berklee Abu Dhabi was established in the UAE Pavilion building on Saadiyat Island and will deliver workshops, masterclasses, courses, ensembles and labs, as well as present a number of annual performances.

A $5 million (Dh18.4m) fellowship fund is available to students in the UAE, which will offer scholarships for students to pursue degrees in Boston, New York, Valencia or on Berklee Online, attend a summer programme in Boston or Valencia, or attend a programme in Abu Dhabi.

The facility spans 4,274 square metres and includes a performance space, recording studio, rehearsal studios, practise rooms, ensemble rooms, a tech lab and office space.

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Read more:

New music school Berklee Abu Dhabi to offer 'turntablism' and dance courses

Autistic Emirati teen aims to inspire others after winning scholarship to Berklee music college

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Music