What’s On has details about the newest season of Abu Dhabi Classics, from Oct to May 2016, and who will be performing at the music festival.

The 2015/2016 season of Abu Dhabi Classics begins today, October 7, with a debut performance by the Symphony Orchestra of India.

Led by British conductor Zane Dalal, the orchestra, which was formed in 2006, will perform for the first time in the capital. The performance, ‘The Crown of India,’ will feature Beethoven’s 4th Symphony and musical pieces reflecting Indian arts and culture in Europe. The show will take place at the Emirates Palace Auditorium tonight at 8pm, with tickets ranging from Dhs80 to Dhs350.

On Thursday October 8, the Mumbai-based orchestra will perform in Al Ain, with a second concert at the Municipality Theatre. The programme will feature selections from Bach, Elgar and Wirén, accompanied by violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev. The show will start at 8pm, with tickets costing Dhs80 to Dhs250.

“With the Symphony Orchestra of India, it is not only one of the region’s main symphonic ensembles that is coming to Abu Dhabi, but also a true example of an orchestra with mixed Eastern and Western influences, making its sound so specific and thrilling,” said Dr Ronald Perlwitz, Head of Music Programme, TCA Abu Dhabi.

The classical music festival will run until May 2016 under the theme of Music and Poetry.

Next week the Grammy Award wining lyricist, Gulzar, will host two concerts celebrating the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. Gulzar, who wrote the lyrics for ‘Jai Ho,’ the crossover hit song from Danny Boyle’s film Slumdog Millionaire, will be accompanied by classical vocalist Ajoy Chakrabarty during the events. Shows will be held at the Abu Dhabi Theatre on October 12 and at the Al Ain Municipality Theatre on October 14.

Other events hosted as part of the festival this month will include a night of classical Indian dancing, or Kathak, at the Emirates Palace on October 13 from the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Drishtikon Dance Foundation. The performance will be headed by lead choreographer and dancer Aditi Mangaldas.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.abudhabiclassics.ae