David Aaron Carpenter “Looking Forward to Showcasing Alexey Shor’s Remarkable Talent!”

Gulf Network

The InClassica International Music Festival is set to return to Dubai in April 2025, celebrating its 14th annual edition with a spectacular lineup of world-class musicians, conductors, and orchestras. Running from April 6th to 21st, the festival will present a total of 16 concerts at the iconic Dubai Opera, offering audiences a series of enchanting performances that fuse timeless masterpieces with contemporary works. This special edition is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 55th birthday of Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor, a prolific contemporary composer whose music has been a defining presence at InClassica in recent years.

Among the distinguished artists returning to the festival is David Aaron Carpenter, a renowned violist who has won plaudits and acclaim from audiences across the globe for his commitment to elevating the viola’s repertoire. Hailed as one of the world’s leading violists, Carpenter has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and festivals worldwide, establishing himself as a champion of his instrument.

We sat down with him ahead of his performance at InClassica 2025, as he shared his thoughts on returning to the festival, collaborating with esteemed musicians, and his deep connection to Alexey Shor’s compositions.

The InClassica International MusicnFestival will return to Dubai in April 2025 to celebrate its 14th annualnedition. How does it feel for you to be forming part of this festival, and arenyou looking forward to this latest entry?

“I'm excitednto be returning to the InClassica International Music Festival in Dubai for thenfourth time! I'm particularly looking forward to sharing my music with thenwonderful people of Dubai and performing alongside such an impressive lineup ofnartists."

Based on your history withnInClassica, how would you say you view this festival compared to other eventsnof its nature? What is it about it that has drawn you to return to its lineupnonce more?

“I've had the privilege of performing at some of the world's most renowned music festivals, from Aspen to Verbier in Switzerland, and I must say, it's truly impressive that the InClassica International Music Festival has truly established itself as a major player on the global classical music scene. The fact that Dubai can attract talent of this calibre is a testament to the festival's organisers and the city's growing cultural landscape."

Since it first came to the UAE inn2021, InClassica has helped usher in a new frontier for classical music withinnDubai and the wider GCC region at large. How important do you think such a movenhas been for the world of classical music, and how do you feel aboutnparticipating in this process?

David Aaron Carpenter, American Violinist

“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."

Your upcoming concert at thisnedition brings together Fumiaki Miura from Japan, conductor Andrea Battistoninfrom Italy, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. What are your thoughts aboutncollaborating with artists from such diverse cultural backgrounds?

“I’m really proud to be sharing the stage with Fumiaki Miura, Andrea Battistoni, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. I've had the pleasure of 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 practicing my Japanese, so I'm eager to put it to use with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra."

Your concert will feature HectornBerlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Alexey Shor's Violin and Viola Concerto, andnAntonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8. What do you think ties these works together,nand how do they complement each other in creating an unforgettable concertnexperience?

“Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture is a masterclass in operatic scoring and will set the tone for a magical concert. I'm also delighted to perform Alexey Shor's Violin and Viola Concerto, blending virtuosity and musicality with a modern twist and I'm also extremely excited to celebrate Alexey Shor's 55th birthday and honour his work as Composer-in-Residence at InClassica.

As a close friend to Alexey, I've had the pleasure of performing several of his compositions. His unique compositional writing and style have always resonated with me, and he has subsequently written over twenty works for viola and orchestra. As a violist, I find his music both challenging and inspiring—pushing the full range of my instrument's expressive capabilities.

I am truly looking forward to showcasing his remarkable talent at InClassica! Finally, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 is a beloved classic, with a rustic charm that is evident in most of Dvořák’s compositions. I'm excited to be part of this musical journey, and I think the audience will leave feeling inspired by the performance."

“After this performance, are there any upcoming collaborations or projects you're particularly excited about?

“I'm looking forward to a variety of exciting projects; I have several recording projects in the works, which will allow me to explore new repertoire 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."

With his return to InClassica 2025, David Aaron Carpenter is set to bring his signature passion and artistry to the Dubai Opera, continuing his mission to expand the reach of classical music and celebrate the viola on the global stage in an event that is sure to linger on in the minds and hearts of all those fortunate enough to be in attendance.

For more information about InClassica 2025, David Aaron Carpenter and Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor visit the official website at inclassica.com.