If Abu Dhabi had a playlist for “global culture done right,” this would be a headline track. The Abu Dhabi Festival has officially crowned the very first winners of the Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC)—and yes, it’s as historic (and exciting) as it sounds.
Held under the honorary founding patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, this brand-new competition just made a bold statement: Abu Dhabi isn’t just listening to the future of music—it’s composing it.
Meet the First-Ever ADICC Laureates
Cue the applause (and maybe a standing ovation).
- Daniele Gasparini took first place in the Orchestra Category with his composition En el Aire—a piece praised for its emotional depth and technical finesse.
- Andrey Zubets claimed the top spot in the Piano Category with Mirror Preludes, a work that balances sophistication with serious soul.
Both composers now hold the shiny new title of inaugural ADICC laureates—a pretty impressive line for the bio, if you ask us.
Why This Competition Is a Big Deal (Like, Really Big)
Let’s put this into context. ADICC is the Middle East’s first-ever international music composition competition. No small feat. And it arrives at a moment when Abu Dhabi continues to shine as a UNESCO-designated City of Music, flexing its creative muscles on the global stage.
Behind it all is the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)—the powerhouse organisation championing creativity, innovation, and cultural dialogue through the arts.
A Vision Rooted in Creativity
At the heart of the competition is Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Founder & Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival. Her vision? Simple, powerful, and very Abu Dhabi.
She describes music as a universal language—a space where cultures meet, ideas collide, and creativity thrives. ADICC, she explains, was created to give emerging composers a world-class platform, spotlight bold new voices, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for musical innovation.
And judging by the response, mission very much accomplished.
By the Numbers: Global Talent, One Stage
The inaugural edition pulled in:
- 165+ submissions
- From 47 countries
- Across orchestral and solo piano categories
In short: the world showed up.
Judged by the Best of the Best
Choosing winners from such a diverse and talented pool wasn’t easy—and that’s saying something when your jury includes:
- Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Du Yun (and President of the Jury)
- Visionary composer Shen Ye
- Composer and conductor Elmar Lampson
- Award-winning Kazakh composer Aigerim Seilova
- Renowned composer and organist Naji Hakim
- Legendary producer Robert Townson
The jury praised the winners for technical brilliance, emotional storytelling, and the seamless blending of musical traditions—plus, crucially, how well the pieces translate to live performance. Because great music should feel as good on stage as it does on paper.
From the Jury Chair
Du Yun summed it up beautifully, noting the “remarkable tapestry of sound” created by composers from across the world—where regional identities meet a truly global musical conversation. Selecting the winners, he said, was both a privilege and a deeply inspiring challenge. (In other words: tough call, incredible talent.)
What Do the Winners Get? (Spoiler: It’s Amazing)
As inaugural laureates, Gasparini and Zubets receive:
- AED 130,000 each
- A professional recording opportunity
- A world-premiere performance with internationally acclaimed orchestras
- Their big moment at the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, happening in April 2026
Second- and third-place winners didn’t leave empty-handed either, with prizes ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000—because excellence deserves recognition at every level.
Music That Lives On
Both winning compositions will be professionally recorded as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform—an initiative that’s been quietly doing incredible work for over 15 years. With 36 original compositions and 80 co-commissions to date, the platform ensures that today’s music becomes tomorrow’s cultural legacy.
The Bigger Picture
ADICC isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. One that empowers emerging artists, builds global creative networks, and deepens community engagement with the arts across the UAE and beyond.
And honestly? If this is what the first edition looks like, we can’t wait to hear what comes next. Abu Dhabi, consider the future of music officially in good hands.
