Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The acclaimed InClassica International Music Festival returns to Dubai, UAE this April 2025, bringing together the most celebrated musicians of our time for a two-week celebration of classical music. Running from April 6th to 21st, the festival, led by President Konstantin Ishkhanov, will feature an array of world-class soloists, conductors, and orchestras, with one of the artists set to grace its stage being the celebrated Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov.

Abduraimov, whose spellbinding performances and technical brilliance have earned him a place among the most sought-after pianists of his generation, is known for his ability to blend power and poetry in equal measure. Having performed with leading orchestras across the globe, captivating audiences at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and London’s Royal Albert Hall, the pianist will be returning for his fourth appearance at the festival, and is set to perform in two concerts at InClassica 2025, on the 15th and 18th of the month, presenting a programme that juxtaposes classical masterpieces with contemporary compositions.

Behzod Abduraimov, Uzbek pianist

We sat down with Abduraimov ahead of his performances, as he shared his thoughts on the festival, his approach to his programmes, and the significance of this special occasion.

How does it feel for you to be returning to InClassica once again?

I think that in its relatively short history, InClassica has become one of the leading classical music events in Dubai and the GCC region. The cultural contribution is enormous, because it brings leading classical artists, international orchestras and offers a wide variety of programmes to its audiences. Every time I have been part of the InClassica International Music Festival, it has felt wonderful to meet old and new friends, colleagues, and most certainly make music in Dubai. It will be my fourth visit to this festival and I cannot wait to be back!

How has your experience with the organising team behind the festival been so far?

It’s been going very well. I think that the work and dedication of InClassica’s President, Konstantin Ishkhanov, are excellent, both from an artistic and organisational standpoint. The atmosphere he has created at the festival is a very welcoming and friendly one, and he is always in search of exciting projects, discovering and helping young talents and being very attentive to his artists.

Konstantin Ishkhanov, The President of the InClassica International Music Festival

Your concert at this latest edition will see you teaming up with Andrea Battistoni and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Have you had the chance to collaborate with them before?

I’ve collaborated with the Tokyo Philharmonic before, but it will be my first time teaming up with Maestro Battistoni. I always seek a musical exploration and of course with a magnificent ensemble such as Tokyo Philharmonic and Mo Battistoni I’m sure it will be an exciting musical journey for us all!

What challenges and opportunities do you find when performing in a prestigious setting like the Dubai Opera?

Performing artists always have to adapt to new acoustics, and in case of pianists also to different pianos. As I’ve performed several times at the fabulous venue of Dubai Opera, it became very familiar and comfortable, and its warm audiences make every appearance very special.

The programme for your concerts include both classical and modern works. What draws you to this juxtaposition?

In my opinion the listeners are always eager to hear new music, as well as traditional classical masterpieces. By juxtaposing these works the listeners are offered dynamic contrasts; every piece reflects different human experience and beauty, and I believe there is a value in sharing the diversity of sentiment, texture and mood.

The InClassica International Music Festival, led by President Konstantin Ishkhanov, will be coming to Dubai in April 2025. For more information, visit the official website at inclassica.com.