Abu Dhabi treated to Tchaikovsky-inspired masterpience

Inspired by the composer Piotr II’yich Tchaikovsky and his muse and patron, Nadezhda von Meck, Beloved Friend received its first public performance in the Middle East as part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival line-up.

Amongst those attending the intimate performance was Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research President and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, Lord Hall of Birkenhead CBE - Chief Executive, Royal Opera House, Lady June Chichester, Countess of Chichester, Trustee of the Royal Opera House and Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of the British Council.

Specially commissioned by the Royal Opera House the performance was brought to life through an innovative use of words, music and dance. This great love story and sensational performance, which for the first time in Abu Dhabi Festival history invited the audience on-stage to experience the performance in amphitheater-like set-up, took the audience on an unforgettable emotional journey.

Written by the Oscar-winning playwright Sir Ronald Harwood CBE, ‘Beloved Friend’ features principal dancers of the Royal Ballet, world-class opera singers and a quartet of internationally acclaimed musicians.  The piece stared celebrated British actor Simon Russell-Beale as Tchaikovsky and Dame Harriet Walter as Nadezhda von Meck in a piece that explores the relationship of the composer with his muse and patron Nadezhda. Inspired by the letters between them, this dramatized recital graced the Middle East with the transformative power of music.

Speaking after the show, Mrs Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “This was one of the most anticipated performances of this year’s festival and for good reason. I am delighted that we were are able to include such world-renowned performances in this year’s programme”

The production of Beloved Friend brought together a stellar cast of actors, opera singers and ballet dancers including baritone Vasily Ladyuk, soprano Hibla Gerzmava, Christopher Vanderspar on cello, Vasko Vassilev and Sophia Durrant on Violin, Konstantin Boyarsky on viola and world reknowned Peter Jablonski and Renato Balsadonna on piano. Roberta Marquez and Valeri Hristov performed as dancers and the production was narrated by Alex Jennings.

“This is a love story, joyous, passionate and painful like countless other love stories. But this one is different. Because this is the love story of a man and a woman who never met.” Beloved Friend.

Originally conceived for a special gala performance at the Royal Opera House in 2009, Beloved Friend was later repeated by request of the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace and Abu Dhabi marks the first time it has been performed outside of the United Kingdom.

‘Beloved Friend’ marks the beginning of ADMAF’s strategic partnership with the Royal Opera House

Amongst the final performances to look forward to as the Abu Dhabi Festival comes to a close is Natalie Cole in Concert, on the 4th April and A Night of Legends with Fadel Shaker on the 6th April. Both will take place at the Emirates Palace auditorium.

Between 11 March and 6 April, the Abu Dhabi Festival will play host to a range of talented artists, performers and musicians. 

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