”Konstantin Ishkhanov’s Efforts Make Me Proud to be Part of InClassica 2025,” Says Renowned Conductor Lionel Bringuier

A global cultural phenomenon presenting world-class artists and spectacular performances under the glistening Dubai sky, the 14th edition of the InClassica International Music Festival, helmed by President Konstantin Ishkhanov, is all set to make a grand return to the UAE from the 6th to the 21st of April. Featuring 16 unforgettable concerts, two globally renowned philharmonic orchestras, 14 internationally acclaimed soloists, and five esteemed conductors, this enchanting two-week affair promises to be the ultimate celebration for classical music enthusiasts, offering a delightful symphony of traditional and contemporary compositions.

French Conductor and cellist Lionel Bringuier by Simon Pauly

A major highlight of the musical extravaganza is the appearance of renowned conductor and cellist Lionel Bringuier, coming to dazzle audiences at the Dubai Opera all the way from France, establishing InClassica’s dedication to bringing the finest musical mastery from all over the globe to the UAE.

Having travelled extensively around the world at the invitation of world-class symphonies, chamber orchestras, and opera houses, Bringuier is an ambitious conductor who serves as Music Director of Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège. As part of an extensive and very well-known repertoire across Europe, the musician has held posts at Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León in Valladolid, Orchestre de Bretagne and Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, as well as performed with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sydney and Queensland symphonies, among others.

Expressing great enthusiasm about his upcoming concert at the festival, Bringuier contemplated performing in the UAE for the first time, stating, ”I’m looking forward to participating at InClassica 2025, as this will be my first time conducting in Dubai. It’s really nice to have international musicians and audiences coming to the UAE to enjoy wonderful music. I’m particularly excited about sharing the stage with the legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov, performing the Violin Concerto by Alexey Shor, and, of course, conducting the Franz Schubert Filharmonia. I am also looking forward to reuniting with my colleagues from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, whom I recently conducted.”

The President of InClassica International Music Festival, Konstantin Ishkhanov

Emphasising the significance of InClassica in uniting both established and emerging talent, he stated, ”From an organisational perspective, the festival is extraordinary. I really love the way InClassica is built, and I admire the work of its President, Konstantin Ishkhanov and his team, whose efforts make me very proud to be part of this festival. Bringing together established and rising talent is an excellent specificity of this event. For younger performers, it’s an incredible opportunity to share the stage with superstars like Maxim Vengerov and Mikhail Pletnev. This pairing also benefits the audience by allowing them to enjoy an outstanding combination of soloists, conductors, and orchestras. Also, they have the chance to meet and support the next generation of talented artists who represent the future of classical music.”

Titled ‘Maxim Vengerov – Violin Virtuoso’, Bringuier’s dazzling concert will take place on April 10th where, alongside the Franz Schubert Filharmonia, the maestro will conduct the acclaimed Monegasque violinist to present a special programme featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, Alexey Shor’s Violin Concerto No. 6 “Carpe diem”, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

”The programme is terrific. We begin with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, one of my favourite pieces to conduct, as it starts with strong opening chords, which immediately captivate and take the audience from their seats,” he continued. “In the second half, we will present Mozart’s world-renowned Symphony No. 40 in G minor, a perfectly dramatic piece to conclude the concert.”

As this event signifies another collaboration with the legendary Maxim Vengerov, often regarded as the greatest living string player, Bringuier remarked explicitly on this partnership, saying, ”Reuniting with Vengerov is special as I’ve known him for many, many years, and was extremely lucky and honoured to perform the Brahms Violin Concerto with him a few years ago. I can’t wait to meet and make music with the virtuoso again, as well as collaborate for the first time with the extraordinary Franz Schubert Filharmonia. We have a remarkable schedule, and I look forward to meeting them and performing at the festival.”

As the musical celebration fast approaches, excitement is building for InClassica 2025, where some of the top orchestras, musicians, and professors of our time will be travelling to Dubai, promising weeks of unforgettable concerts, captivating classical music fans and reaching new heights of splendour. Speaking about the impact of the festival, Konstantin Ishkhanov added, ”Bringing breathtaking performances through world-class artists to the Dubai Opera, the InClassica International Music Festival is one of the premier global platforms for music, lauded for its dedication to artistic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration. We can’t wait to host distinguished musicians such as Lionel Bringuier for a celebration of classical music and welcome audiences new and old.”

Prepared to wow audiences in the Middle East and beyond, this highly-anticipated edition of the festival is all set to put classical music heritage on full display, delighting concertgoers as the world’s biggest musical observatory.

”I can’t wait to introduce this wonderful music to the audience and conduct a repertoire I truly love,” Bringuer concluded. I look forward to sharing our programme with classical music enthusiasts.”

For more information about InClassica International Music Festival 2025, French conductor Lionel Bringuier, President Konstantin Ishkhanov please visit the official website at inclassica.com.