Sondra Radvanovsky in Abu Dhabi

Opera superstar Sondra Radvanovsky brings an Arab world premiere recital to The Red Theater at NYU Abu Dhabi on Saturday 17 October 2026, accompanied by pianist Vincenzo Scalera as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2026.

The show

Widely hailed as one of opera’s greatest living sopranos, Sondra Radvanovsky performs arias and songs by Bellini, Verdi and Puccini, alongside Rachmaninov, the Letter Scene from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, and songs by Richard Strauss. It is an intimate recital in a small theatre – the kind of close-range vocal power you rarely get to hear in the Gulf.

Doors and seating

The recital starts at 8:00 PM in the intimate Red Theater. Seating is assigned, so arrive early – this is a small house and late entry mid-programme is disruptive.

WOW-ABUDHABI Expert Tip: The Arts Center sits inside NYU Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Use the campus visitor car park off Saadiyat Marina and allow ten minutes to walk in and clear the entrance – build that buffer into an 8:00 PM start.

How to book

Tickets start from around AED 156 via Platinumlist. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is fully wheelchair accessible – contact the box office to arrange accessible seating when you book.