Recital Series: Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun

Overview

Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 presents Elham Al Marzooqi, the UAE’s first professional female cello soloist, in an evocative recital celebrating the expressive depth and lyrical voice of the cello. Joined by pianist Sooyeon Jun, this elegant programme spans Baroque masterworks, Romantic lyricism and beloved cinematic melodies, highlighting the intimate dialogue between cello and piano.

The evening opens with the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, whose works showcase the clarity, structure and expressive nuance that form the foundation of the cello repertoire. The Romantic voice of Johannes Brahms follows, revealing the instrument’s noble warmth and introspective depth.

In the second half, poetic miniatures and song transcriptions by Franz Schubert, Camille Saint-Saëns and Sergei Rachmaninoff highlight the cello’s singing quality and emotional resonance. The programme concludes with iconic themes by Ennio Morricone and George Gershwin, gracefully bridging classical tradition with contemporary sensibility.

Through her refined artistry and expressive tone, Elham Al Marzooqi offers audiences an evening of elegance, storytelling and musical inspiration, affirming her place among the UAE’s leading cultural ambassadors on the classical stage.

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Programme

Part I

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Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007
Prelude
Menuet I & II
Gigue

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Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Sonata No. 1 in E minor for cello and piano, Op. 38
I. Allegro non troppo

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Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
Allegro Appassionato, Op. 43

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Interval

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Part II

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Frank Bridge (1879–1941)
Spring Song, H.104 No. 2

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Arnold Trowell (1887–1966)
Chanson Villageoise, Op. 4 No. 11

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Franz Schubert (1797–1828)
Ständchen, D.957 No. 4
(from Schwanengesang)

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Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
Le Cygne
(from Le Carnaval des animaux)

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Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14

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Ennio Morricone (1928–2020)
Cinema Paradiso – Love Theme
(from Cinema Paradiso)

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George Gershwin (1898–1937)
Someone to Watch Over Me
(arr. for cello and piano)

ARTISTS

Elham Al Marzooqi, Cello

Elham Al Marzooqi is the UAE’s first professional female Emirati cellist. She began her musical journey at a young age, first studying piano before discovering her passion for the cello. Over the years, she has performed with major orchestras, including the Dubai Chamber Orchestra, Emirates Community Symphonic Orchestra and the Firdaus Orchestra, an all-female Arab ensemble.

Al Marzooqi has also appeared on international stages such as Carnegie Hall and has participated in cross-cultural projects, including the Symphony of Three in Poland. Alongside her musical career, she continues to contribute to the UAE’s arts community, supporting emerging talent and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

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Sooyeon Jun, Piano

Sooyeon Jun is a collaborative pianist based in Abu Dhabi with an international performance background spanning South Korea, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she began studying piano at the age of six before pursuing advanced musical training and developing an international performing career.

She appears regularly in recitals, chamber music concerts, choir performances, and musical theatre productions, partnering with vocalists and instrumentalists across a wide repertoire. Known for her sensitivity, attentiveness, and refined musicianship, she is deeply committed to thoughtful collaboration and expressive ensemble performance.

Alongside her performing career in the UAE, Sooyeon Jun is dedicated to music education. She teaches and performs with talented young musicians at the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK), supporting and mentoring students, many of whom have achieved success in national and international competitions.

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