Abu Dhabi Festival 2025 Returns with an Unmatched Lineup of Global Talent

Among the key performances, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra will open the festival with a breathtaking symphonic concert at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, featuring acclaimed tenor Jonathan Tetelman and pianist Kyohei Sorita. The legendary Japanese drumming troupe Kodo will bring its signature high-energy performance, while South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim, the youngest-ever Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner, will make his UAE debut with a recital of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Grammy-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich will also take the stage, offering a programme that blends classical and contemporary compositions.

Ballet enthusiasts can look forward to the All-Star Ballet Gala, featuring principal dancers from the UK’s Royal Ballet and Germany’s Bayerisches Staatsballett. Meanwhile, jazz lovers will be treated to a performance by award-winning American trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, known for his seamless fusion of jazz, folk, and classical influences. Chamber music fans can expect an intimate concert featuring Palestinian violinist Yamen Saadi, Spanish violinist Sara Ferrández, Austrian cellist Kian Soltani, and Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández.

With performances set across prestigious venues, including Emirates Palace and NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre, the festival will not only bring world-class talent to the UAE but also serve as a platform for cross-cultural exchange. The event will combine music, dance, and artistic innovation, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading destination for global arts and culture.