Abu Dhabi Festival - World Premiere - The Story of the Violin

THE STORY OF THE VIOLIN

Tuesday, 29 June 2021
8.00pm GST
Online digital world premiere
London, UK

The intimate virtual concert will feature Benedetti, alone on a rustic stage, vividly describing the

little-known histories and intricacies that make four violin compositions from the last 500 years

seminal to the instrument’s captivating story. Following each narrative, Benedetti will then play

the composition with the passion that has grown out of the deep connection she feels to each of

these pieces by Biber, Bach, Niccolò Paganini and Eugène Ysaÿe.

The performance will be presented across Abu Dhabi Festival’s digital channels, in cooperation

with the Benedetti Foundation. In addition, a piece composed by Wynton Marsalis for a special

project by the Benedetti Foundation will be played by violin proteges around the world.

Her Excellency Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts

Foundation and artistic director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: ““Our strong partnership with

the Benedetti Foundation presents unparalleled musicians at Abu Dhabi Festival, and we are

delighted to work with the most sought-after violinist of her generation. Nicola Benedetti’s

passionate performances of compositions by Biber, Bach, Paganini and Ysaÿe, as well as her

narration of the stories behind each, highlight the emotional power and journey of the violin. Her

historic collaboration with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis to invest in young violinists will reach a

global audience including the next generation, bringing the Festival abroad with a unique virtual

concert experience.”

Nicola Benedetti said: “I am so excited to share this project with Abu Dhabi Festival’s

audiences. This is a unique and personal performance celebrating the history and emotional

power of this magical instrument. Through these four seminal works - which stretch some 350

years - we will explore the extraordinary story and sound of the violin. I am also thrilled that

through the Benedetti Foundation we were able to work with violin students from around the

world on a specially composed piece by Wynton Marsalis. I can’t wait.”

British Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Moody said ‘I am very excited to hear that Nicola

Benedetti CBE will be performing for the Abu Dhabi Festival later this month.  Nicola is a multi-

award winning British violinist and one of the most influential classical artists of her generation. 

She is a passionate advocate of classical music and musical education.   I have no doubt that

Abu Dhabi Festival’s virtual audience will be captivated by Nicola’s musical performance’.

Click here for the video