Abu Dhabi Festival, in its 19th edition held under the theme Crafting the Emirates State of Mind: Creation, Innovation & Joy, presents Festival in the Park, a two-day family event filled with exciting workshops and activities culminating in an evening of musical performances on Sunday 6 March and Monday 7 March.

On Sunday, 6 March in partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi, the Paolo Fresu Trio will perform under the stars at the Amphitheatre at Umm Al Emarat Park, in a performance with great emotional impact and intimate cerebral connection. Paolo Fresu on trumpet, flugelhorn and effects is joined by Dino Rubino on piano and Marco Bardoscia on contrabass for a refined three-part dialogue between musical masters.

Her Excellency Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival said: “We are pleased to be a part of the realisation of this exciting musical event featuring the Paolo Fresu Trio at Um Al Emarat Park in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi. At ADMAF we believe in the importance of promoting cross-dialogues in the creative industries and providing platforms for cultural expression through cultural initiatives like Festival in the Park, a public celebration which brings people of all ages together to experience art and music as powerful tools for human connection. In this magnificent musical dialogue, the Paulo Fresu Trio demonstrates the power music holds in uniting communities and evoking shared emotions and reflects ADMAF’s ongoing efforts to be an active driver of social unity and creative community development”.

Among the exciting activities happening over the two days, are a painting workshop where children can create their own masterpieces under the guidance of some of the UAE’s greatest artists, a puppet-making workshop with theatre director Adnan Salloum and an informative workshop on making musical instruments out of recycled materials with Electro Zebala. Visitors can also create rhythmic beats with Dubai Drums and view the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) platform exhibition, and the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) exhibition.

Rasha Kablawi, Head of Umm Al Emarat Park’s Corporate Affairs and Communication Department,said: “We are very excited to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation to host a variety of enriching activities through the Festival at the Park. Cultural engagement, creative expression and education through recreation are at the heart of Umm Al Emarat Park’s ethos,as we believe they help develop and strengthen individual talent, imagination and creativity, in addition to enhancing cultural knowledge among the community. Umm Al Emarat Park is Abu Dhabi’s favorite green destination that brings people from different cultures and ages together in a family-friendly environment by offering vibrant community events, explorative learning through play, and diverse experiences year-round.”

The two-day event will come to an end on Monday 7 March with another thrilling performance, Músicas de España by Daniel Ligorio presented in partnership with the Embassy of Spain. Playing classical Spanish music pieces from the 19thand20thcenturies, as well as a selection of Baroque compositions, the critically acclaimed pianist fuses classical music with the castanets of Belén Cabanes and the enchanting dance of Loli Molina.

“It is a pleasure to present audiences at Festival in the Park with the opportunity to hear one of the most promising international pianists in an enchanting performance of Spanish classical music at Um Al Emarat Park. Music is an instrument of communication and in his performance, DanielLigorio will showcase its ability to transport audience members to the past where they can relive the remarkable moments of music’s most celebrated eras”, said HE Huda I. AlKahmis-Kanoo.

The Abu Dhabi Center for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care –Ewaa, an affiliate of the Department of Community Development, is participating in the event by launching an awareness program for families over both days.

The activities are held on Sunday 6 March and Monday 7 March from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and they include interactive sessions and workshops designed to promote visitors’ mental health and raise awareness about mindfulness, stress-management, strengthening family relationships,establishing the foundations of sound education, positive communication and raising children.