Dubai is set to once again become the epicentre of classical music as the InClassica International Music Festival returns for its 14th edition from April 6th to 21st, 2025. With its stellar lineup of world-renowned soloists, orchestras, and conductors, this year’s festival promises to be particularly special as it celebrates the 55th birthday of Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor. Held at the magnificent Dubai Opera, the festival has solidified its place as one of the most significant cultural events in the Middle East, bringing together musical excellence from across the globe for a grand celebration of our cultural heritage.
Among the distinguished artists gracing this year’s edition is Daniel Hope, the celebrated Irish violinist whose illustrious career has seen him perform with some of the world’s leading orchestras and musicians. A passionate advocate for classical music, Hope has captivated audiences with his deeply expressive performances and commitment to expanding the reach of the field. Speaking ahead of his performance at InClassica 2025, he reflected on the festival’s unique role in shaping Dubai’s growing classical music landscape.
Daniel Hope, Irish violinist
“I always look forward to performing in Dubai, both as part of InClassica and in the wonderful concert hall,” he said. “It is special for me because my brother was instrumental in opening the hall and he and his family still live in the UAE. InClassica has a stunning lineup of artists, and I look forward to joining them.”
Hope’s highly anticipated duo recital on April 18th will see him partnering with the acclaimed pianist Behzod Abduraimov, with the violinist sharing his excitement about the collaboration as he noted that “this is the first time I will be giving a recital for InClassica, which is always special, and I am particularly looking forward to making music with Behzod Abduraimov for the first time.”
A key highlight of Hope’s recital will be his performance of Alexey Shor’s Violin Sonata No. 1, a technically demanding and evocative piece that has been lauded by multiple violinists who have had the opportunity to perform it. “I was first introduced to Alexey Shor’s music by my esteemed colleagues Gil Shaham and Maxim Vengerov, who have both championed his compositions for many years,” Hope explained. “I find it to be emotional and communicative, and as a result, it is highly effective.”
Alexey Shor, InClassica Composer-in-Residence
Hope has immersed himself in the intricate violin passages of Alexey Shor’s work, drawing inspiration from Maxim Vengerov’s legendary interpretation. “Technically, it is a challenging piece for violin, and Maxim Vengerov’s marvellous recording of it was a wonderful starting point for me,” he noted. “It takes the listener on a musical journey through various styles and is a concentrated dialogue between the violin and piano.”
Beyond Shor’s composition, the recital will feature two masterpieces of the classical repertoire – Antonin Dvorak’s Sonatina and César Franck’s Violin Sonata. “We will perform two of the most beautiful works for violin and piano,” Hope shared. “Dvořák’s Sonatina was written in New York City in 1893 when Dvořák had been invited to the United States to help create the new face of American music. He dedicated it to his children, and it is a musical kaleidoscope of 18th-century America with all its sights and sounds. And César Franck’s magnificent Sonata from 1886 is not only one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, but it was also a wedding present for the great 28-year-old violinist Eugene Ysaye.”
As anticipation builds for this extraordinary recital, Hope hopes that audiences will walk away moved by the universal language of music. “Joy and peace through music,” he said simply when asked about his goals for the evening, encapsulating his belief in music’s power to unite and inspire.
With InClassica 2025 shaping up to be one of the most significant classical music events of the year, Daniel Hope’s performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight, blending tradition and innovation in a celebration of timeless artistry and cross-cultural connection.
For more information on InClassica 2025 and Daniel Hope’s recital featuring music from Alexey Shor, Antonin Dvorak and César Franck, visit inclassica.com now.