David Aaron Carpenter to represent American virtuosity at InClassica 2025

Gulf Network

Recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award, First Prize Winner of the Walter E. Naumburg Viola Competition and the Avery Fisher Career Grant, celebrated American violist David Aaron Carpenter is considered a true force in the world of classical music, earning a shining reputation for both his technical brilliance and magnetic stage presence.

He has performed all over the world with premier musicians and orchestras, such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philharmonia, the Dresden Staatskapelle, and the Lucerne Symphony, solidifying his reputation as a proficient instrumentalist who is redefining the boundaries of modern classical music with soulful sounds and committed playing.

Scheduled to make an esteemed return to the InClassica International Music Festival on April 13, 2025, the maestro is all set to light up the stage of Dubai Opera with a symphonic concert showcasing his exceptional skills.

This groundbreaking annual musical extravaganza, bringing together world-class artists for a series of concerts celebrating classical music, promises to feature dazzling performances in Dubai from the 6th to the 21st of the month, highlighting renowned musicians from all over the globe during two weeks of unforgettable shows.

''I'm excited to return to the InClassica International Music Festival for the fourth time,'' Carpenter shared. ''I'm particularly looking forward to sharing my music with the wonderful people of Dubai and performing alongside such an impressive lineup of artists. I've had the privilege of performing at some of the world's most famous music festivals, and I must say, it's truly impressive that Dubai's InClassica International Music Festival has established itself as a major player in the global classical music scene. It's a testament to the organisers and the city's growing cultural landscape.''

Reflecting on the festival’s transformative impact in the region, he added, ''Personally, I feel a deep connection to this region, as my mother is from Iraq. Being here in Dubai, surrounded by the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, feels like coming home. I'm honoured to be part of this process, sharing my music and helping to foster a greater appreciation for classical music.''

This year’s event holds special meaning as it commemorates the 55th birthday of Alexey Shor, the festival’s Composer-In-Residence. Carpenter, who has performed several of Shor’s works in the past, praised the composer’s unique approach, highlighting the importance of his role in contemporary classical music. ''I'm excited to honour Alexey Shor's music at InClassica.

As a close friend, I've had the pleasure of performing several of his compositions. Alexey Shor’s distinctive compositional writing and style have always resonated with me. As a violist, I find Shor's music both challenging and inspiring, pushing me to explore the full range of my instrument's expressive capabilities. I am really looking forward to showcasing his remarkable mastery at InClassica.''

Aptly titled Unity of Nations, the musical evening will see Carpenter performing alongside renowned Japanese violinist Fumiaki Miura and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Chief Conductor Andrea Battistoni. ''I'm honoured to share the stage with these incredible talents,'' he expressed. ''I've enjoyed knowing Fumiaki for over 13 years since we first met at the Julian Rachlin Festival in Dubrovnik. He's not only a brilliant violinist but also a wonderful colleague, and I'm excited to reunite and perform with him. I've also been practising my Japanese, so I'm eager to put it to use with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.''

The concert will open with Hector Berlioz’s vivacious "Roman Carnival" overture, Op. 9, followed by Alexey Shor’s contemporary composition Violin and Viola Concerto. After a brief intermission, the evening will conclude with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88, featuring a bright sequence of pastoral images, dance and passages of amplified drama.

''Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture is a masterclass in operatic scoring and will set the tone for a magical concert,'' Carpenter said. ''I'm also delighted to perform Alexey Shor's Dual Concerto, a work that has taken me to magnificent concert halls across Germany, blending virtuosity and musicality with a modern twist.

Finally, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 is a beloved classic, with a rustic charm evident in most of Dvorak’s compositions. I'm excited to be part of this musical journey, and I think the audience will leave feeling inspired by the performance.''

Ahead of his highly anticipated comeback at the historic festival, the virtuoso acknowledged social media as a vital instrument for classical music, emphasising its importance in helping him engage with upcoming projects and audiences.

''Social media is an incredible tool for building a community and making classical music more accessible,'' He continued, ''Following this performance, I'm looking forward to a variety of exciting projects that will allow me to explore new repertoires and collaborate with incredibly talented musicians.

I'll also be leading masterclasses in several European cities, which is always a rewarding experience. Sharing my knowledge and passion with the next generation of musicians is an important part of my artistic journey.''

For more details about InClassica 2025, visit the festival’s official website here.