Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 28 March 2023: Under the honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Festival at NYUAD Arts Centre concluded after a series of artistic and musical recitals took place for the special 20th edition of the festival. 

Presented by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and held under the theme ‘The Will for Evolution’, the headline programme of events featured some of the world’s most notable classical performers and musicians. International Chopin Piano Competition winner, Bruce Liu, performed a special piano recital on Tuesday, 14 March, followed by an enchanting piano recital by Acclaimed Shanghainese pianist, Haochen Zhang that took place on Thursday, 16 March. The event concluded with a captivating performance by violin and piano duo recital by Leia Zhu and Benjamin Engeli on 20 March as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2023.

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “'Since 2015, Abu Dhabi Festival's Recital Series, presented in partnership with the NYUAD Arts Centre, has provided audiences with the exceptional opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of classical music as interpreted by today’s young virtuosos. This year’s edition showcases the captivating talent of international star pianist Bruce Liu and violin prodigy Leia Zhu in their Arab world debuts and will also present the return of critically acclaimed pianist Hoachen Zhang following his UAE and Abu Dhabi Festival debut alongside China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra in 2017. 
The series is in line with our commitment to providing a platform for artistic expression where the world’s rising musicians can demonstrate their technical mastery through their individual style and approach to music.”

Tuesday, 14 March: Recital Series: Bruce Liu at NYUAD Arts Center
Winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, Bruce Liu, performed a captivating piano solo with classical and romantic highlights on 14 March at The Red Theatre at NYUAD Arts Center. Dazzling audiences at sold-out venues around the world, the international star pianist presented a selection of pieces by Rameau, Chopin and Liszt during the recital.

Thursday, 16 March: Recital Series: Haochen Zhang at NYUAD Arts Center
Acclaimed Shanghainese pianist, Haochen Zhang, performed some of Beethoven’s most celebrated sonatas on 16 March at The Blue Hall at NYUAD Art Center. The gold medal winner of the Thirteenth van Cliburn International Piano Competition made a captivating solo performance.
Monday, 20 March: Recital Series: Leia Zhu, Violin & Benjamin Engeli, Piano at NYUAD Arts Center
Sixteen-year-old British-Chinese violin prodigy, Leia Zhu will be accompanied by versatile Swiss pianist, Benjamin Engeli performed renditions of Mozart, Strauss, Debussy, Wieniawski and Sarasate on 20 March at The Blue Hall, NYUAD Arts Center.