Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra UAE Premiere In honour of the 125th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi’s passing, this magnificent opera gala brings together the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra under the masterful direction of David Crescenzi, with celebrated soprano Maria Agresta and distinguished tenor Giorgio Berrugi, two of today’s leading interpreters of Verdi’s music. The programme journeys through Verdi’s most iconic works, from the grandeur of 'Nabucco' and 'I vespri' siciliani to the passion and emotional depth of 'Otello and La traviata', intertwining powerful overtures, arias and duets that reflect the full breadth of his operatic genius. Through music of dramatic intensity, lyrical beauty and profound humanity, the concert pays tribute to Verdi’s enduring legacy and his transformative impact on opera and the symphonic tradition. An unforgettable evening honouring the timeless brilliance of Italy’s greatest operatic master, whose music continues to inspire artists and audiences around the world. About the Artists Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is a pioneering cultural institution that proudly represents Qatar on the world stage. Founded in 2007 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the orchestra brings together 78 world class musicians from 28 countries, many of whom have performed with the world’s leading ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Frankfurt Opera, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle Zürich, Teatro Colón and NDR Radiophilharmonie. Known for its innovative programming and unique sound, QPO blends Western symphonic traditions with the rich musical heritage of the Arab world, creating performances that are globally resonant and deeply rooted in the region’s cultural legacy. With more than 500 performances to date, QPO has graced prestigious stages around the world, including La Scala (Milan), Konzerthaus Wien (Vienna), Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), Santa Cecilia (Rome), the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.) and the Royal Albert Hall (London). QPO is a source of national pride and a symbol of Qatar’s commitment to cultural excellence. Driven by a mission to make music accessible to all, QPO continues to break barriers, inspire new generations and lead the way in shaping a vibrant musical future for Qatar and the region. David Crescenzi, Conductor Pianist, orchestral and choral conductor, Crescenzi studied at the Conservatory of Pesaro, specialising in orchestral instruments, choral music, choir conducting and piano. He began his career as a répétiteur, accompanist pianist and assistant conductor, later establishing himself as a conductor and chorus master. Crescenzi served as Guest Conductor at the Cairo Opera House from 1998to 2003. Between 1999 and 2001, he was Chorus Master at Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, and during the 2004–2005 season served as Assistant to the Music Director at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. In the symphonic repertoire, he has conducted the Orchestra of Teatro Regio di Parma, the Benedetto Marcello Orchestra of Teramo, the Marche Chamber Orchestra, the Bologna Chamber Orchestra, the G. Rossini Symphony Orchestra of Pesaro, the Marchigiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alessandria and Piemonte Philharmonic Orchestras and the Zagreb Opera Orchestra in Croatia. He has conducted in Doha, Qatar and collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Francesco Manara, Simonide Braconi, soprano Nadja Michael, baritone Franz Grundheber, tenor Francisco Casanova, the principal violinist and violist of Teatro alla Scala in Milan, as well as the French flautist Maxence Larrieu. In September 2014,Crescenzi was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Cairo Opera House. Following successful engagements at Deutsche Oper am Rhein inDüsseldorf, where he conducted Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore and Puccini’s Turandot during the 2016–2017 season, he became a guest conductor. His connection with Romania began in 2002 through the Romanian National Opera of Timișoara, with which he participated in the International George Enescu Festival in Bucharest, conducting Puccini’s Tosca. He also collaborated with the National Opera Bucharest and the Romanian National Opera of Iași. In November 2008, Crescenzi first conduct