Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the 22nd Abu Dhabi Festival celebrated a landmark moment with the Arab World premiere of global piano sensation Yunchan Lim.
On April 11, the sold-out Red Theater at NYU Abu Dhabi witnessed an evening of breathtaking artistry as the 19-year-old prodigy opened with the world premiere of Round and Velvety-Smooth Blend—a striking new work by South Korean composer Hanurij Lee—before delivering a transcendent performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
The newly commissioned piece, crafted specifically for Lim, unfolded in two evocative movements—Élégie and Rudepoema—showcasing his extraordinary ability to navigate contrasting emotions with both power and delicacy. The audience was then swept into the intricate beauty of Bach’s masterpiece, where Lim’s technical precision and deep emotional resonance reaffirmed his status as one of classical music’s most thrilling young talents.
A Star’s Devotion to Music
Lim, the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, has long been revered for his unwavering dedication. “I decided to live my life only for music,” he once reflected. “If my passion reaches the audience, I’m satisfied.” That passion was palpable throughout the night, leaving listeners spellbound.
Abu Dhabi Festival’s Global Stage
This spectacular evening underscores the Festival’s mission to position Abu Dhabi as a beacon of world-class culture. The celebration continues with percussionist Kuniko Kato (April 14), the Labèque sisters’ piano duo (April 16), and a stellar lineup of performances through April 29.
