Clarinettist Martin Fröst performs as part of Emirates NBD Classics Season IV. Courtesy Mats Bäcker
Clarinettist Martin Fröst performs as part of Emirates NBD Classics Season IV. Courtesy Mats Bäcker
Clarinettist Martin Fröst performs as part of Emirates NBD Classics Season IV. Courtesy Mats Bäcker
Clarinettist Martin Fröst performs as part of Emirates NBD Classics Season IV. Courtesy Mats Bäcker

Our guide to classical music concerts coming to Dubai


  • English
  • Arabic

This weekend, we can celebrate as the cultural calendar gets back in full swing with the return of two popular classical-music concert programmes.

On Thursday, September 10the World Classical Music Series returns with a concert by The French Wind Quartet.

Known for showcasing renowned western classical chamber ensembles, the series has been crafted as a partnership between promoters M Premiere and the long-running Dubai Concert Committee.

The latter formerly hosted regular concerts at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (Ductac) – where, incidentally, a new season of Emirates NBD Classics begins on Friday.

This fourth season of the Classics begins with a loud (if ­pretty-sounding) bang, courtesy of a recital by renowned Swedish clarinettist Martin Fröst.

However, this series promises an altogether different recipe, with a programme that focuses on classical and world-music performers from all around the globe, including India, Lebanon and Iran.

Here’s what you can look forward to from both ­programmes between now and the end of the year.

World Classical Music Series

The French Wind Quintet (Thursday, September 10))

The self-aggrandising name here rings true – all five members of The French Wind Quintet have achieved the highest honours from the Paris Music Academy, where they teach tomorrow's stars. Collectively, they have studied under maestros including Rampal, Pierlot, Portal, Audin and Barboteu.

As soloists, the members have appeared with the Orchestre National de France and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. On Thursday, September 10, they perform a programme of works by Mozart, Rossini, Taffanel, Ravel and Ligeti, in a concert backed by the Alliance Française Dubai.

The Piano Quartet (October 9)

The Munich-based Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra enjoy an esteemed reputation worldwide. They were ranked sixth on a list of "the world's greatest orchestras" by the British music magazine Gramophone in 2008, and fourth in a similar list by the Japanese music magazine Mostly Classic in 2010. The Piano Quartet bring together four soloists from the orchestra for an intimate chamber recital: violinist Daniel Nodel, violist Benedict Hames, cellist Hanno Simons and pianist Milana Chernyavska. They will perform three complete quartets from Mahler, Mozart and Brahms.

Night of Opera (November 7)

The full programme for this populist opera pick ’n’ mix is yet to be announced, but it seems a safe bet that we can expect stripped-back, chamber-style renditions of familiar arias from the masters. Italian soprano Susanna Branchini will be joined by mezzo-soprano Renata Lamanda and tenor Massimiliano Pisapia, under the direction of pianist and conductor Marco Boemi.

Vazgen Vartanian (December 11)

Russian pianist Vartanian's pedigree is outstanding – he studied at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory and New York's Juilliard school. The prodigy has toured the world and collaborated with musicians and conductors including Valery Gergiev, Mikhail Pletnev, Yuri Bashmet and Nikolai Petrov, as well as American composer Lukas Foss. Vartanian is known for his interpretations of romantic masters Chopin, Schumann and Liszt, captured on last year's eponymous CD release. In Dubai, he will perform three late, relatively obscure Beethoven sonatas – numbers 28, 30 and 32 – as well as Schubert's Sonata in B-flat major, and a selection of Liszt Études.

All concerts are at One&Only Royal Mirage at 8pm. For more information, visit www.mpremiere.com. Tickets are Dh250 from platinumlist.ae

Emirates NBD Classics Season IV

Martin Fröst (Friday, September 11))

Stockholm-born Fröst, a heavy-hitter on the classical-­music scene with more than 20 recordings to his name, is a resounding, inclusive way to launch the season’s typically diverse programme. As well as reinterpreting familiar repertoire, the clarinettist has worked to move the music forward, as the recipient of a long list of special commissions, including works by Anders Hillborg, Krzysztof Penderecki and Kalevi Aho. His two-hour performance promises to be a mix of crowd-pleasing favourites from his repertoire, including works by Brahms, Bartók and Schumann.

Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (October 2)

Indian-music pioneer Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is renowned for inventing his own unique instrument, the "Mohan Veena", a 19-string slide guitar-harp made from a modified Hawaiian guitar. His unique sound and style has been showcased on more than 40 albums of musical fusions. Internationally, Bhatt, 64, is best known for A Meeting by the River, an album of sensational 1993 crossover duo recordings with American blues legend Ry Cooder that was rewarded with a Grammy.

Charbel Rouhana (November 6)

For lovers of instrumental Arabian music, and those curious about the region’s traditions, this is not to be missed. Lebanese musician Rouhana is one of the most-established contemporary oud players in the world, credited with helping spearhead a renewed interest in the renaissance period of Oriental-Arabian music, ushered in through innovative approaches to ancient instruments. He has collaborated with fellow oud luminaries, including Marcel Khalife and Elie Khoury, while his academic writings on the subject have advocated an influential new methodology to approaching the instrument.

DastanEnsemble (December 4)

True to its mission statement of shedding light on classical traditions from around the globe, here the programme turns its gaze to Persia. Founded in 1991, the DastanEnsemble claim to boast some of the modern masters of classical Persian music. The quintet features barbat player Hossein Behroozinia, tar and setarist Hamid Motebassem, kamancheh player Saeed Farajpouri and percussionists Pejman Hadadi and Behnam Samani. A rare chance to unlock the traditions of the UAE’s geographic neighbour.

All concerts are at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, at 8pm. For more information, visit ductac.org. Tickets are from Dh150 at platinumlist.ae

rgarratt@thenational.ae

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Museum of the Future in numbers
  •  78 metres is the height of the museum
  •  30,000 square metres is its total area
  •  17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
  •  14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
  •  1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior 
  •  7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
  •  2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
  •  100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
  •  Dh145 is the price of a ticket
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Monster Hunter: World

Capcom

PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Match info

Uefa Nations League A Group 4

England 2 (Lingard 78', Kane 85')
Croatia 1 (Kramaric 57')

Man of the match: Harry Kane (England)

UAE%20FIXTURES
%3Cp%3EWednesday%2019%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3EFriday%2021%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3ESunday%2023%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Singapore%3Cbr%3EWednesday%2026%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2029%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Semi-finals%3Cbr%3ESunday%2030%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Third%20position%20match%3Cbr%3EMonday%201%20May%20%E2%80%93%20Final%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

THE LOWDOWN

Photograph

Rating: 4/5

Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies

Director: Ritesh Batra

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champioons League semi-final, first leg:

Liverpool 5
Salah (35', 45 1'), Mane (56'), Firmino (61', 68')

Roma 2
Dzeko (81'), Perotti (85' pen)

Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20and%203.6-litre%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20235hp%20and%20310hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E258Nm%20and%20271Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh185%2C100%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

RACE CARD

4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m

5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m

5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m

6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m

7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
RESULTS

5pm Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Munfared, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)

5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Dergham Athbah, Pat Dobbs, Mohamed Daggash

6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Rajee, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri

7pm Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Kerless Del Roc, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m

Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8pm Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m

Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

RESULTS

5pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Purebred Arabian Cup Conditions (PA) Dh 200,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Conditions (PA) Dh 200,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Winked, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Cup Listed (TB) Dh 380,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Boerhan, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
6.30pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Group 3 (PA) Dh 500,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Jewel Crown Group 1 (PA) Dh 5,000,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Messi, Pat Dobbs, Timo Keersmaekers
7.30pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Handicap (PA) Dh 150,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Harrab, Ryan Curatolo, Jean de Roualle
8pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AF Alareeq, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Russia v Scotland, Thursday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: Match on BeIN Sports 

A cheaper choice

Vanuatu: $130,000

Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.

Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.

Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.

Benefits:  No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.

The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 400hp

Torque: 500Nm

Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)

On sale: 2022 

UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised

General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.

"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.

He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.

THE SPECS

Touareg Highline

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 340hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh239,312