Abu Dhabi Festival Honors Jordi Savall’s Legacy with Prestigious Abu Dhabi Festival Award 2023
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-: Esteemed musician and researcher Jordi Savall joined forces with over twenty Arab and international performers and musicians to deliver a captivating concert titled “Ancient Andalusia and Hesperia.” The event, that was co-presented with Abu Dhabi Festival and The Arts Center of New York University Abu Dhabi unfolded, showcasing masterpieces of Andalusian and ancient Arab poetry and rhythms. This cultural extravaganza not only enhances the bonds between the UAE and Spain but also underscores the nation’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, openness to civilizations, and the promotion of historical Andalusian civilization as a model for coexistence, dialogue, and peace.
Jordi Savall, celebrated for his versatility and tireless dedication to early music, was a pivotal force in the success of the concert. His participation added a unique depth to the performance, reflecting his more than fifty years of expertise as a gambist, conductor, and researcher in historical music. This event is a testament to Savall’s commitment to making early music accessible to a broad and diverse audience.
The festivities extended beyond the concert as the Abu Dhabi Festival took the opportunity to honor Jordi Savall with the prestigious Abu Dhabi Festival award 2023 in partnership with Chopard. This recognition, presented by H.E Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation took place on Saturday 9th December, acknowledges Savall’s exceptional contributions to the history of humanity, arts, and music. His extensive career, spanning over 230 recordings and covering Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and classical music repertoires, has earned him numerous awards, including the Midem Classical Award, the International Classical Music Award, and the Grammy Award. The Abu Dhabi Festival 2023 Award reaffirms the festival’s commitment to honoring outstanding contributions to the world of music.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, the visionary Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the esteemed Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “In partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi, we are pleased to present the concert ‘Ancient Andalusia and Hesperia,’ featuring the participation of the Grammy-award-winning conductor and musician Jordi Savall, along with more than twenty Arab and international performers and musicians. The event showcases masterpieces of Andalusian and ancient Arab poetry and rhythms, contributing significantly to the deepening of cultural diplomacy between the UAE and Spain. It reflects our country’s vision of embracing diverse civilizations, fostering cultural convergence, and underscoring the historical role of Andalusian civilization as a model for cultural coexistence, dialogue, and peace.”
Her Excellency added: “On this noteworthy occasion, we are honoured to present the Abu Dhabi Festival Award to Jordi Savall, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the history of humanity, arts, and music. With a professional career spanning over fifty years, Savall has devoted himself to pioneering research in historical Andalusian music and its documentation. As a violinist, director, musical leader, and historian, he has presented a comprehensive research project, establishing himself as one of the most diverse and influential musical figures of his generation.”
Jordi Savall also shared his inspiring experiences in an intimate talk as a composer, conductor, and musician with the students of NYUAD. The discussion was moderated by the Senior Director of the Institute, Maurice Pomerantz.
Jordi Savall’s impact goes beyond his musical prowess, he has used his art as a means of fostering understanding and peace among diverse peoples and cultures. His concert programmes, often featuring guest artists from a variety of backgrounds, exemplify his commitment to intercultural dialogue.