Ludovico Einaudi & UAE National Orchestra

Ludovico Einaudi returns to Abu Dhabi for a concert that pairs his piano compositions with the UAE National Orchestra. It is a classical-leaning evening staged at Etihad Arena, with the composer himself at the centre of the performance.

Einaudi's music is known for its emotion and intimacy, and here the orchestra adds another dimension to it. The melodies his listeners already know are heard on a much larger scale, with the piano still leading the way and the ensemble widening the sound around it. The concert is billed as something special for anyone who loves his work.

Etihad Arena is one of the capital's main indoor venues for big concerts and live shows. It stands on Yas Island, the leisure district of Abu Dhabi, which is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World and Yas Mall. The island is easy to navigate, with plenty of hotels and restaurants close to the arena, so an evening out can be built around dinner before the show. For Dubai residents it is a drive of roughly an hour to an hour and a half by car, which makes it a realistic trip for a single night.

A concert like this is a seated, listening-focused evening rather than a party. It suits fans of contemporary piano and neo-classical music, anyone curious to hear orchestral arrangements of well-loved pieces, and those who like to pair a night out with a short trip to the capital. Since the programme is built around quiet, expressive music, it is a good choice for a calm and absorbing evening.

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer whose solo piano pieces have reached a wide audience far beyond the classical concert hall. This appearance with the UAE National Orchestra gives those pieces a fuller, more cinematic setting in Abu Dhabi.