This year’s festival will be a particularly special occasion, as it celebrates the 55th birthday of Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor, whose works have become a defining feature of the event.

With 16 concerts scheduled from April 6th to 21st, the festival will welcome two major philharmonic orchestras, 14 distinguished soloists, and five renowned conductors to the prestigious Dubai Opera for this grand celebration that has become the highlight of the Middle East’s cultural calendar.

Among the standout figures at this year’s edition is Andrea Battistoni, the esteemed Chief Conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, who will be leading six concerts during the festival. Speaking ahead of the event, Battistoni, who is renowned for his expressive conducting style, praised the distinctive nature and impact of InClassica, noting that “InClassica is truly unique on the international scene. It’s a festival capable of bringing together, in just a few weeks, some of the best artists in the world to help bring the sphere of classical music to countries where this type of artistic language is little known. It is truly a meritorious and very important mission, and I’m really proud to be part of the 2025 edition with my wonderful Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra!”.

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Andrea Battistoni, Italian Conductor

In fact, since its arrival in the UAE in 2021, InClassica has played a key role in fostering classical music appreciation in Dubai and the wider GCC region, something which Battistoni, amongst others, has also spoken passionately about.

“Music has always been a universal language”, he said, “transcending barriers of language, culture, and geography. It’s a powerful tool that can unite people from diverse backgrounds and foster a sense of global community. My experiences in countries like Oman have underscored the profound impact of music as a cultural bridge, and the audiences in the Emirates have demonstrated an exceptional appreciation for classical music, eagerly absorbing the works of composers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their attentiveness and curiosity are a testament to the universal appeal of great music.”

At this latest edition of the festival, the conductor will be presenting a diverse range of pieces over his concerts, featuring both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. These include various offerings from the pen of Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor, with Battistoni expressing his enthusiasm at having the opportunity to present Shor’s music, emphasising its accessibility and emotional depth.

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Alexey Shor, Composer-in-Residence

“Nowadays it’s very important to present the sound of today’s music to our audiences”, he said, “and for that we have the compositions of Alexey Shor. Alexey Shor’s music is the kind of contemporary music you do not expect, since sometimes new music is expressed through avant-garde experiments that can be difficult for the public to grasp immediately. Alexey Shor, on the contrary, looks for a very direct communication with his audience, reviving tonal language and melodic thematic material in a very entertaining and pleasant way. His works can serve as an excellent introduction for broader audiences to experience classical music and the concerto form in a friendly way.”

“Alexey Shor’s music encourages listeners to become familiar with the sounds of the various instruments”, he added, “as they are always treated in an idiomatic way and encouraged to sing recognisable melodies. When composers like Alexey Shor enjoy building bridges between the tradition and present time, the exchange between repertoire pieces and premieres becomes very natural and stimulating.”

In this sense, Alexey Shor’s compositions fit seamlessly into the festival’s programming, which will also include symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Beethoven. Battistoni noted how these works will complement each other, reinforcing the ongoing conversation between classical and modern music, as he remarked that “these new concerti from Shor have strong roots in the music written in the classical and romantic period—shades of Rachmaninov and Mozart can be perceived, although twisted in a modern, new way—and they will fit perfectly in our programmes, mirroring the never-ending dialogue between old and new music.”

As InClassica 2025 approaches, anticipation continues to build for Battistoni’s performances, which promise to be a highlight of the festival. With his deep passion for music, commitment to cultural exchange, and enthusiasm for showcasing both beloved classics and contemporary gems, each event is sure to deliver an absolutely unforgettable musical experience for all in attendance!

For more information about InClassica 2025, including ticket bookings and a full concert schedule, Andrea Battistoni and Alexey Shor visit inclassica.com.