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As part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s exciting year-long hybrid virtual programme, under the theme The Future Starts Now, Hekayat: Symphonic Tales, by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, will launch on 30 March at abudhabifestival.ae.The performance traverses the globe in 13 compositions played by 128 musicians in 20 countries, capturing the musical traditions and cultures of every continent. Hekayat, which means tales in English,makes history as the first performance of its kind by an Emirati artist. In a marvel of technological sophistication,the performers,recorded separately in their countries, will appear together as one orchestra on the stage of Abu Dhabi’s luxurious Emirates Palace Auditorium.

Ihab Darwish brings together a powerhouse group of international musicians, including Krakow’s acclaimed Beethoven Academy Orchestra, conducted by maestro Tomasz Tokarczyk, VOX Chamber Choir, tenor José Cura, virtuoso musicians Sara Andon, Kodō, Carlos Piñanaand KinanAzmehas part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and mission to supporting the growth of the performing arts in the United Arab Emirates and at a global level.

With musicians, performers and the orchestra filmed individually in 21 cities around the world, the symphony required 675 zoom sessions and 86,600 man-hours of planning and production. The individual performances were synchronized digitally, and innovative post-production technology placed all 128 artists on a virtual 3D model of the stage.

H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Ihab Darwish’s “Hekayat” international premiere is an extraordinary global journey of symphonic music in which artists from all corners of the world come together in the composer’s universal message of peace and cultural understanding, that seamlessly aligns with Abu Dhabi Festival’s mission. Through innovative technology, Abu Dhabi Festival is thrilled to present its second commission of Ihab’s work as a unique virtual production to audiences globally.”

Ihab Darwish said, "I am constantly experimenting with different genres, instruments, and time frames in music. The experimental nature of Hekayat is inspired by my inherent hope for a better future and belief in shared human values. Since my first engagement at Abu Dhabi Festival, the format of performances has been transformed by the pandemic, and yet music’s profound emotional impact and power to soothe are more important than ever. As a unique virtual event, Hekayat will be accessible to all audiences around the globe, which is a great advantage.”

Ihab Darwish is the first Emirati composer in his genre to have his music distributed by international publisher Universal Music MENA and first guest composer of the Beethoven Academy Orchestra. Hespecializes in composing classical music, featuring distinct Western, Arab and Khaleeji fusions, which has become his signature style. In Hekayat, he further develops this style with exceptionally unique instrumental, musical and vocal fusions.

This first-of-its-kind performance is available from 30 March until 11 April at AbuDhabiFestival.ae/Hekayat-Symphonic-Tales.

Hekayat: Symphonic Tales is released by Universal Music in its second collaboration with Darwish.His first album Waves of My Life was released in 2018.

Participating Artist Quotes

“When I was invited to participate in this project, I had no idea who was involved and what I would find on the other side. Until I discovered in Ihab Darwish a fresh talent with a bright future ahead. And when you add the support of the Abu Dhabi Festival and Universal MENA, then success is guaranteed. It is a pleasure to be part of this project that unites people through music in a moment when this is so crucial.” JoséCura, opera singer

“It is an immense honor to be a part of the spectacular symphony. Darwish’s music is magnificent, and the roots of his creativity contain much of the ancient Arabic vision and pioneer spirit. His melodies emerge from his DNA and go beyond international output.”TakuroSusaki, Kodō President

“I am happy to be back at the Abu Dhabi Festival this year through this wonderful collaboration with composer and friend Ihab Darwish. Thank you, Abu Dhabi Festival, for mounting this remarkably ambitious, culturally rich, and creative project during a time of isolation. And a heartfelt thank you to Ihab for inviting me into his home, his creative mind, and for allowing me to contribute to it.” KinanAzmeh, clarinetist