Abu Dhabi to Host Exceptional World Music and Dance Performances in January and February 2010

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) continues its unique initiative World Stage by hosting three exceptional artistic experiences this January and February, featuring the best of contemporary world music and dance

&Internationally acclaimed Malian musician Habib Koite will perform on January 21 at the Cultural Foundation in the capital. Koite, famous for his exuberant guitar-playing and vibrant African rhythms, and his supporting cast, Bamada, a super-group of West African talent, including Kélétigui Diabate, have graced numerous world music festival stages and won an array of awards for their chart-topping albums.

In January 24 and 25 ADACH will host another set of breathtaking flamenco nights at Emirates Palace Hotel Auditorium by Joaquin Cortés who needs no introduction to Flamenco and dance lovers; he single handedly re-defined the language of Spanish dance when he was only in his twenties. Since then he has embarked on a superstar career constantly pushing the limits of movement and drawing inspiration from his gypsy heritage and contemporary sensibilities. In Abu Dhabi he presents Calé – his brand new flamenco extravaganza with forty dancers on stage.

Akram Khan, one of the world’s top contemporary dance choreographers is partnering with ADACH to present a two-year international co-production reflecting the artistic heritage of the Middle East. His first piece, Gnosis, presents a sublime combination of traditional Indian Kathak dance and contemporary movement with Arab Oud and Qanoon musicians live on stage. The performance has already garnered rave reviews after its recent premiere in London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre and receives its Middle East premiere in Abu Dhabi before touring the region. The show will be staged on February 25 and 26 on Abu Dhabi Theatre (Marina Mall area).

Tickets will be available on www.timeouttickets.com and in Emirates Palace Hotel.