Abu Dhabi Festival supported the historic annual open-air concert at the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens on 19 June as an artistic partner.
Partnering with the UAE Embassy in Vienna, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation also hosted an “Art @ Embassies” session on 17 June with leading musicians to explore the relationship between classical music and cultural diplomacy.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates –June, 2026: Held under the founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Founding Honorary Patron of Abu Dhabi Festival, the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad programme continued its mission to promote intercultural dialogue through its support of the Vienna Philharmonic’s internationally renowned Summer Night Concert, held on 19 June.
As an Artistic and Cultural Partner of the annual open-air concert, Abu Dhabi Festival joined this year’s edition, conducted by Lorenzo Viotti and featuring acclaimed baritone Sir Bryn Terfel. Held at the iconic Schönbrunn Palace Gardens in Vienna, the concert attracts an audience of 60,000 plus a worldwide broadcast audience in the millions. Recognised as one of the world’s largest classical music events, the Summer Night Concert stands as the second most watched annual classical music event after the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert.
Expanding its commitment to cultural diplomacy, ADMAF also partnered with the UAE Embassy in Vienna to host its “Art @ Embassies” initiative on 17 June. Titled Classical Music as Cultural Diplomacy, the panel discussion brought together renowned musicians to explore how artistic collaboration and international cultural partnerships serve as catalysts for cross-cultural connection and international exchange.
Held in one of the world’s historic capitals of classical music, the session featured Michael Bladerer, Managing Director of the Vienna Philharmonic, Yamen Saadi, Concertmaster for the Vienna Philharmonic, and Lebanese conductor and musicologist Toufic Maatouk. The discussion was moderated by Emirati filmmaker Noor Kanoo.
The panellists shared personal and professional journeys connecting Middle Eastern and European musical traditions. The discussion explored themes including cross-cultural exchange, the celebration of cultural diversity within the global heritage of classical music and the role of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue in today’s global landscape. Through their experiences, the speakers reflected on how musicians continue to serve as cultural ambassadors, using music to transcend cultural and geographical divides and support cultural diplomacy efforts. Through its Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad programme, ADMAF reinforces the UAE’s position at the heart of global cultural dialogue, highlighting the transformative power of the arts in connecting people worldwide.
