Staff Reporter
ONE of the leading Spanish orchestras, Franz Schubert Filharmonia, makes its grand debut at the 14th edition of the prestigious InClassica International Music Festival 2025 in Dubai, in April
Promising an unforgettable two-week showcase of classical musical excellence from the 6th to the 21st of the month and presided by philanthropist Konstantin Ishkhanov, this exhilarating affair brings together an outstanding roster of international soloists, composers and orchestras to the Dubai Opera. Among the highlights of this year’s events is the participation of the acclaimed Barcelona orchestra, which performs at six different concerts featuring a diverse repertoire of works and artists.
Composed of some of the finest musicians in Spain, the Franz Schubert Filharmonia, under the direction of its chief conductor and artistic director Tomàs Grau, is a ‘new generation’ orchestra renowned for its collaborative artistry and contemporary programmes. Achieving great success since its debut 17 years ago, the orchestra has collaborated with the likes of Gautier Capuçon, Sabine Meyer, Josep Pons, Rinaldo Alessandrini and Steven Isserlis and performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as the Palau de la Música Catalana, Carnegie Hall, Palau de les Arts and Auditorio Nacional de Música de Madrid and others.
Expressing enthusiasm about their upcoming performances in Dubai, the distinguished orchestra remarked, ”It is an extraordinary honour for the Franz Schubert Filharmonia to be invited to the prestigious InClassica International Music Festival. This festival is a beacon of excellence in the classical music world, and making our debut in the UAE as part of its 14th edition fills us with immense pride and excitement.”
The President of InClassica International Music Festival, Konstantin Ishkhanov
They continued, ”Preparing for such a diverse program involves meticulous attention to detail and a profound commitment to artistic excellence. We approach each piece and soloist collaboration with deep respect and dedication, ensuring that every nuance of the music is brought to life. The festival’s inspiring atmosphere motivates us to deliver performances that match the grandeur of this exceptional event.”
Collaborating with an impressive lineup of artists at InClassica, including Roman Kim (Germany), Edgar Moreau (France), Maxim Vengerov (Monaco), Daniel Lozakovich (Sweden), and Gil Shaham (USA), and others the Franz Schubert Filharmonia revealed the teamwork process when working with a diverse range of soloists, saying ”It is both a privilege and an inspiration. Each artist brings a unique perspective and musical voice, enriching our interpretations and elevating our performance. We approach these collaborations with open communication and a shared commitment to excellence. The soloist’s artistry will undoubtedly shape our performances, creating unforgettable moments for the audience and a profound artistic experience for the orchestra.”
Not just soloists, the orchestra will also be performing alongside esteemed conductors like Lionel Bringuier (France), Mikhail Pletnev (Switzerland), Tomàs Grau (Spain), and others, featuring a versatile programme reflecting the festival’s dedication to diversity and excellence. ”We are incredibly excited to work at InClassica with our Music Director Tomàs Grau and all these distinguished conductors, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive interpretative style,” they resumed, ”Their insights and leadership will not only enhance our performances but also provide invaluable opportunities for artistic growth. From timeless classics of Mendelssohn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms or Tchaikovsky to contemporary gems, the repertoire is designed to captivate and inspire the audience, ensuring a memorable musical journey.”
Franz Schubert Filharmonia, Spanish Orchestra
Inviting celebrated musicians and audiences from around the world for its annual editions, InClassica has helped usher in a new frontier for classical music within Dubai and the wider GCC region, thanks to the efforts of its President, Konstantin Ishkhanov. Speaking about the festival’s impact, Franz Schubert Filharmonia added, ”The InClassica Festival offers a treasure trove of artistic enrichment. This year marks our debut in the region, and we are deeply honoured to be part of this exciting cultural evolution. Konstantin Ishkhanov is a visionary leader whose tireless dedication has made InClassica the extraordinary festival it is today. Ishkhanov’s unwavering passion for classical music and meticulous attention to detail have created a platform where artists can truly shine, and audiences can be transported by the power of music.”
They added, ”From an organisational perspective, we are deeply impressed by the professionalism of the InClassica team, which offers seamless coordination and support, underpinning every aspect of this festival. Witnessing the passion for classical music flourish in this part of the world is a privilege, and we are thrilled to contribute to this dynamic movement.”
As InClassica fast approaches and anticipation builds for the legendary Franz Schubert Filharmonia’s performances, the orchestra commented on their approach to ensuring merit, ”By fostering mutual respect, open communication, and shared passion, the festival lays the foundation for meaningful artistic partnerships. To facilitate this dynamic, we prioritise rehearsal time, dialogue, and a collective commitment to excellence, ensuring that each performance is a harmonious blend of individual brilliance and ensemble cohesion.”
Expressing his thoughts on the participation of the Spanish orchestra and the festival’s significance, President Konstantin Ishkhanov declared, “I am extremely proud to be bringing the InClassica Music Festival to the incredible Dubai Opera for its 14th edition. This monumental affair provides a spectacular platform for all those who truly appreciate and value the beauty of classical music. We are excited to welcome some of the industry’s most renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to the UAE, including Spain’s illustrious Franz Schubert Filharmonia, who will be performing for the first time in Dubai throughout this two-week event. This celebration of artistry and passion promises to create lasting memories for all who attend.”
For more information about the 2025 InClassica International Music Festival, visit the official website at inclassica.com.
