Under the honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Founding Honorary Patron the special 20th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival saw the Middle East premiere of Academy and Grammy award-winning composer, Tan Dun’s powerful oratorio Buddha Pasion at Emirates Palace on 18 March, following the Middle East premiere of From West to East: A Classical Odyssey the evening prior.
Presented by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and held under the theme “The Will for Evolution”, the headline programme of events will continue to take place until 20 March, featuring the world’s most renowned performers and musicians.
Ahead of the performance, His Excellency Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Abu Dhabi Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo presented on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award in partnership with Chopard to Tan Dun in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions to music.
