Overview
The launch of the new Festival Academy deepens learning and growth opportunities for student musicians and dancers through unique, once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Festival artists. Talented students from across the UAE will compete to be part of the 2026 Festival Academy cohort and participate in a series of dance and music intensives, open rehearsals, masterclasses and performances.
Programme
Intensives
March-April 2026
Exceptional opportunities for student musicians and dancers to learn and develop technique from international and Festival artists including the Klimt Quartet, soprano Caterina Di Tonno and the American Ballet Theatre.
Calling young musicians in Abu Dhabi!
If you’re a strings, piano or vocal student aged 10-17, this is your opportunity to train alongside international artists. Selected piano and strings students will have the opportunity to perform in a special concert at Abu Dhabi Festival.
Abu Dhabi Young Musician (ADYM) Competition
11-17 April 2026
Hosted by The British School Al Khubairat, ADYM Competition showcases the very best of youth music in Abu Dhabi across classical, contemporary and world music categories. Driven by music educators and feedback from international adjudicators, this week-long competition inspires, challenges and celebrates young musicians while raising the standard of musical excellence.
Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra
27 April 2026
The Blue Hall, The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi
As part of a series of intensives with the Klimt Quartet from Italy, participating string students will go on to form the Abu Dhabi Festival Youth Orchestra. Under the direction of a local conductor, they will present a special public concert during the Festival, celebrating the next generation of orchestral talent.
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