- The UAE National Orchestra returns for its second season with two landmark October performances at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.
- Harmony on 16 October unites Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma with Swiss-French composer Richard Dubugnon in a cross-cultural dialogue.
- Romantic Masters on 22 October journeys through the expressive works of Rossini, Mendelssohn, and Brahms.
- Tickets for both symphonic evenings are officially live via Ticketmaster UAE.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar is hitting a high note this autumn as the UAE National Orchestra continues its celebrated second season. Taking the stage inside the acoustic sanctuary of The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, the ensemble has announced two major concerts for the month of October. Designed to bridge musical worlds, the upcoming performances journey from groundbreaking East-West orchestral conversations to the soaring melodies of the European Romantic era.
Here is everything you need to know about the UAE National Orchestra’s October 2026 concert lineup in the capital.
1. Harmony: An East-West Musical Dialogue
- When: Friday, 16 October 2026 | 8:00 PM
- Where: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
- The Experience: Harmony stands as an artistic encounter between two musical powerhouses: world-renowned Iraqi oud master and composer Naseer Shamma, and acclaimed Swiss-French contemporary composer and double bassist Richard Dubugnon. The performance explores the intersections of classical Arabic modal traditions and European symphonic structures. Rather than simply blending styles, the two maestros engage in a thoughtful, nuanced musical conversation, pairing the resonance of the ancient oud with the dynamic textures of a full orchestra.
- Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster UAE
2. Romantic Masters: Rossini, Mendelssohn & Brahms
- When: Thursday, 22 October 2026 | 8:00 PM
- Where: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
- The Experience: For classical enthusiasts seeking symphonic grandeur, Romantic Masters curates a rich emotional journey through 19th-century Europe. The evening opens with the spirited wit and playful dynamics of an operatic overture by Gioachino Rossini, followed by the technical brilliance and lyrical warmth of Felix Mendelssohn’s beloved violin concerto. The concert culminates in the sweeping orchestral warmth and triumphant architecture of a full symphony by Johannes Brahms, spotlighting the expressive depth and virtuosity of the UAE National Orchestra’s musicians.
- Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster UAE
Venue & Booking Overview
- Orchestra: The UAE National Orchestra (Season 2)
- Venue: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (The Red Theater), Saadiyat Marina District, Abu Dhabi
- Show Timings: Doors open at 7:30 PM | Performance begins promptly at 8:00 PM
- Direct Ticket Links:
- Book Harmony (16 Oct): ticketmaster.ae/event/1077120926
- Book Romantic Masters (22 Oct): ticketmaster.ae/event/1957168818
As the UAE National Orchestra deepens its cultural footprint across the region, its October programming offers a rare balance of boundary-pushing artistic exchange and classical heritage. Whether drawn to the hypnotic interplay of the oud within a symphonic landscape or the timeless romanticism of Brahms and Mendelssohn, these two evenings at NYU Abu Dhabi provide an enriching night out for music lovers across the Emirates!
