Signing articulates mutual interest and future collaboration

in music, opera and arts development

(Abu Dhabi, UAE: 08 September 2015): Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and

Barcelona’s prestigious opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, this week signed a Letter of

Cooperation at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, signifying a mutual interest to collaborate in areas

of music, opera and arts development.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music &

Arts Foundation (ADMAF), and Christina Scheppelmann, Artistic & Production Director General

of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, during her visit to Abu Dhabi. Through a collaborative approach

that encompasses both artistic productions, cross-cultural dialogue and developmental

activities, the strategic value of the cooperation between ADMAF and the Gran Teatre del Liceu

will be of significant benefit to the cultural sectors of Spain and the UAE.

Commenting on the signing, H.E. Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music &

Arts Foundation (ADMAF) said: “There has been a close connection between the cultural

heritage of Spain and the Arab world throughout history. One only has to look at the legacy of

Ziryab that dates back to the Court of Cordoba in the ninth century. Through this signing,

ADMAF and the Gran Teatre del Liceu seek to uphold this close unity in order to continue an

exchange of dialogue and artistic expression, with the hope to collaborate in future cultural

events including ADMAF’s annual Abu Dhabi Festival.”

Following a tour of the Emirates Palace Auditorium, Christina Scheppelmann, Artistic &

Production Director General of the Gran Teatre del Liceu commented: “The signing of the LOC is

an important milestone for the Gran Teatre del Liceu and we are honoured by the association

with ADMAF. The interchange through music and musical collaboration is an essential

contribution to the dialogue between cultures and countries and it enriches the lives of our

Gran Teatre del Liceu is Barcelona’s opera house and was founded in 1847. Since its foundation,

it has continued over the years to fulfil its role as a culture and arts centre, and today stands as

one of the symbols of the city.

This Letter of Cooperation represents the latest in a long-list of strategic ADMAF partnerships

that includes The Jordan Media Institute, Carnegie Hall, The Royal Opera House and the Queen

Elisabeth Music Chapel. Ensuring ADMAF’s work accesses and engages audiences across the

whole of the UAE, this network helps strengthen ADMAF’s commitment to establishing Abu

Dhabi as a hub of cultural exchange and innovation.