The renowned InClassica International Music Festival, featuring some of the most celebrated classical musicians from around the globe, is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from April 6 to April 21, 2025. The festival promises to deliver an extraordinary series of concerts, boasting a schedule that includes 16 performances, two distinguished philharmonic orchestras, and a lineup of 14 acclaimed soloists alongside five esteemed conductors, all held at the iconic Dubai Opera.
Honoring Alexey Shor’s legacy
This 14th edition of InClassica is particularly significant, as it pays tribute to the esteemed contemporary composer Alexey Shor, coinciding with his 55th birthday. Shor, whose compositions have graced some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Wiener Musikverein, Berlin Philharmonie, and Carnegie Hall, will serve as the festival’s Composer-in-Residence. Artists such as Behzod Abduraimov, Salvatore Accardo, and Steven Isserlis, who have previously performed his works, will also participate in the celebrations.
Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the much-anticipated return of Belgian pianist Denis Kozhukhin. An exceptional talent in the classical music scene, Kozhukhin will present a solo recital during the festival’s penultimate concert on April 20, 2025. Titled ‘Denis Kozhukhin – Resplendent Recital’, the performance will revolve around a vibrant theme of childhood, showcasing works such as Sergei Prokofiev’s Music for Children, Op. 65, Alexey Shor’s Piano Sonata No. 2, Robert Schumann’s Kinderszenen, Op. 15, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Children’s Album, Op. 39.
A conversation with Denis Kozhukhin
In anticipation of his performance, we spoke with Denis Kozhukhin about his eager return to the InClassica Festival, the significance of his chosen repertoire, and the influence of resident composer Alexey Shor on contemporary classical music.
“I am thrilled to be part of the InClassica Festival again. It is a major musical event that does something very important; it brings classical music to people through fantastic concerts performed by the world’s greatest musicians.”
Kozhukhin reflected on the festival’s effort to engage and inspire new audiences. He noted that after his last performance, he received feedback from audience members who were experiencing classical music for the first time, expressing their enthusiasm to return to concert halls in the future. He emphasized the invaluable role of the festival in introducing classical music to a wider audience.
Since its inception in the UAE in 2021, InClassica has been pivotal in advancing the appreciation of classical music in Dubai and the broader GCC region. Kozhukhin firmly believes that the festival fosters connections among diverse cultures and communities through music, underscoring its importance in today’s world.
Regarding his eclectic program, which includes works from Prokofiev, Shor, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky, Kozhukhin shared his unique perspective as a father. He articulated how the themes of childhood in the music resonate with him in a distinct way, reflecting the pure and innocent experiences of youth. He also expressed his excitement for performing Shor’s compositions, having collaborated with him on numerous occasions in the past.
“I really admire him and his work as he is an outstanding mathematician who is not only creative in that field but also in the world of music.”
As he prepares for his performance, Kozhukhin aims to create a deep connection with the audience by sharing insights into the pieces he will play, enhancing the overall musical experience. His commitment to bridging the gap between performer and listener is a hallmark of his artistic vision.
For more information about the 2025 InClassica International Music Festival and the performances featuring Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor and Denis Kozhukhin, visit the official website at inclassica.com.