Giuseppe Gibboni debuts Alexey Shor’s latest work at InClassica in Dubai

Gulf Network

A multi-award-winning Italian violinist celebrated as one of the most talented musicians of his generation thanks to his immaculate technique, Giuseppe Gibboni is all set to dazzle audiences at the 14th edition of the prestigious InClassica International Music Festival 2025 taking place in Dubai.

Garnering international prestige after a historic win at the 2021 Paganini Violin Competition, where he became the first Italian in 24 years to win the top accolade, along with the audience choice prize and a special award for the best interpretation of Niccolò Paganini's Capriccios and Violin Concerto, Gibboni has solidified his reputation as a flawless performer who infuses the classical music repertoire with compelling expressiveness and dedication.

The young maestro has also succeeded in the 2016 Andrea Postacchini Violin Competition, the 2017 Leonid Kogan International Competition, the 2018 George Enescu International Competition, and the 2020 Valsesia Musica Competition, among others.

On April 7, 2025, the illustrious festival InClassica, organised by SAMIT Event Group dedicated to the 55th birthday of Composer-In-Residence Alexey Shor will see Gibonni's return as he takes the stage at the Dubai Opera with an evening aptly titled Italian Maestros.

Accompanied by the renowned Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and performing under the baton of Chief Conductor Andrea Battistoni, Gibboni will debut Alexey Shor's Violin Concerto No. 7, a brand-new composition characterised by its evocative writing style.

Ahead of his eagerly awaited symphonic concert, Gibboni shares his thoughts on his exciting return to Dubai and to the festival, upcoming collaborations and highlights what sets Alexey Shor apart in the contemporary classical music landscape.

Are you looking forward to performing at the 14th InClassica Festival in Dubai? What are you most excited about?

Returning to the InClassica International Music Festival is truly an honour, especially for its 14th annual edition. Being part of such a prestigious event feels like returning to a community passionate about classical music and dedicated to its growth.

I’m genuinely looking forward to connecting with the incredible audience in Dubai and sharing the stage with outstanding musicians from all over the world. There’s always a unique energy at InClassica, and I feel grateful to contribute to it again. 

Based on your history with InClassica, what about the festival has drawn you to return to its lineup once more?

InClassica stands out thanks to its global vision and the diversity of its lineup. Unlike many other festivals, it brings together well-established musicians and emerging artists, creating an exciting mix of experience and fresh perspectives. This unique aspect, along with the festival’s international spirit, makes InClassica an exhilarating event for any artist, and it’s what keeps me coming back. The environment is incredibly inspiring, pushing artists to explore fresh musical horizons each year.

Since it first came to the UAE in 2021, InClassica has helped usher in a new frontier for classical music within Dubai and the wider GCC region at large. How important do you think such a move has been for the world of classical music?

InClassica’s presence in Dubai and the wider GCC has been transformative, helping to expand the region’s appreciation for classical music. This dynamic and inclusive strategy has helped foster a presence that mirrors the region's willingness to embrace cultural exchange and artistic development. I believe this expansion is essential, as it opens doors to new audiences and encourages young musicians to pursue classical music.

You'll be performing alongside Andrea Battistoni and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with these musicians before?

This will be my first time collaborating with Andrea Battistoni and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and I see it as a thrilling opportunity for musical exploration. Working with a new orchestra and conductor often brings a fresh perspective to music, resulting in unique interpretations. 

This year's edition of InClassica is dedicated to the 55th birthday of Alexey Shor, who will also serve as Composer-in-Residence. What draws you to his style, and what makes his music stand out in today's classical music scene? 

It’s fantastic to see this year’s InClassica dedicated to celebrating Alexey Shor’s birthday. His role as Composer-in-Residence highlights the importance of his contributions to classical music today. Alexey Shor’s compositions have a distinctive style that resonates deeply with audiences. His music often blends lyrical melodies with classical forms, offering something that feels familiar yet refreshingly new. I’ll be premiering the new Violin Concerto No. 7 by Alexey Shor, along with Giuseppe Verdi’s 'Nabucco' Overture and Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, with each piece in the program selected to complement one another, creating a musical journey that I hope will resonate with listeners.

Beyond InClassica, what other projects are you looking forward to in the coming year?

This season holds several exciting projects that I’m eagerly anticipating. It’s hard to choose which one to mention because, from my point of view, each offers a new opportunity to grow as an artist and connect with audiences across different settings, which is something I look forward to each year.

For tickets and information visit www.inclassica.com