ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Classics returned with the second of its international performances, with Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer serenading the crowd at the Abu Dhabi Theatre.
Backed by the acclaimed Kremerata Baltica Chamber orchestra, a troupe of young musicians from the Baltic countries, Gidon presented his internationally renowned programme, The Four Seasons.
Those expecting to hear the iconic masterworks of the composer Vivaldi would have been surprised, however, as the programme title is loosely based on the famed 18th century Italian baroque composer.
Kremer and the orchestra nimbly tackled the work of the late Argentine tango composer, Astor Piazolla, who also composed his own version of The Four Seasons.
American experimental composer Philipp Glass' The American Four Seasons also received an airing. The piece was a standout for providing Kremer with opportunities to perform dazzling violin solos.
The performance capped off this week's double bill which saw the Emirati trio of oudist Faisal Al Saari, poet Abdullah Al Heydah and rebab player Ali Al Keebali perform in Al Ain on Monday. Held in Al Qattara Arts Centre, the Songs of Heritage programme had the Emirati musicians perform popular folk songs interspersed with poetry recitals.
Abu Dhabi Classics continues on November 20 with the Spanish viol player Jordi Savall presenting the world premiere of his newest programme, Ibn Battuta: The Voyager of Islam, at Emirates Palace. He will be joined by the Hespèrion XXI, an ensemble of 16 musicians playing traditional Arabian instruments.
For details, go to abudhabievents.ae.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
