What’s On has news on the headliners for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Festival in April 2016, including pianist Lang Lang and Orchestre de Paris.

The Abu Dhabi Festival has announced the headliners for their upcoming edition, to be hosted in April 2016. Combining music, theatre, dance and the arts, the annual event will feature Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang as well as France’s symphony orchestra, Orchestre de Paris.

Lang Lang, who will perform at the Emirates Palace on Thursday April 14, is known for his virtuoso technique and showmanship. The pianist was dubbed one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2009 and is said to have started playing piano after being inspired by the instrument after watching Tom and Jerry cartoons in China as a child. He will be performing pieces by Tchaikovsky, Bach and Chopin during the festival.

The Orchestre de Paris will perform two concerts in Abu Dhabi under the direction of Estonian conductor Paavo Järvi. The first concert, on April 15, will feature works of classical music by Berlioz, Lalo and Saint-Saens as well as performances from French soloists cellist Xavier Phillips and organist Thierry Escaich. The second concert, on April 17, will include a performance by Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan and selections of music from composers Tchaikovsky and Sibelius.

The cultural celebration will also celebrate France as its Country of Honour. “As the inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi approaches, the festival welcomes France as the 2016 festival Country of Honour, which will highlight the spirit of creativity, particularly in the fields of arts and music,” added Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation.

Ticket information will be announced in December, alongside complete details for the full festival programme.