Cennarium Backstage Issue 2 (Summer 2017) | Page 24

Worldwide Program New York City: APAP|NYC Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Festival www.apapnyc.apap365.org abudhabifestival.ae APAP|NYC is the annual membership conference of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP), held over several days in January. This conference is the “world's largest networking forum and marketplace for performing arts professionals.” Past notable keynote and plenary speakers include Rita Moreno, Ira Glass, and Stephen Schwartz. In addition to professional development and networking sessions, APAP|NYC hosts a performing arts festival, spanning over 1,000 artist showcases. This year was the 14th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, which took place throughout the month of March. This year’s festival theme was dedicated to celebrating the importance of culture and tolerance in the performing arts. The performance lineup consisted of elite performing artists and musicians, including nine-time GRAMMY award-winning US jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, Portuguese fado singer Mariza, and more. Adelaide: Adelaide Festival adelaidefestival.com.au Held annually since 1960, the Adelaide Festival is one of the most celebrated and renowned performing arts festivals in the world. This year’s edition, co-directed by Neil Armfield and Rachel Healy, took place from March 3rd to the 19th. Some of the must-see performances were Shakespeare’s Richard III from Schaubühne Berline, directed by Thomas Ostermeier, and a “symphonic visual concert” of Prima Donna, presented by Rufus Wainwright. 2017 PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVALS Festival d’Avignon: “La Tragédie du roi Richard II" by Jean-Baptiste SastreI, performed at the Cour d'honneur of the Popes Palace. Photo by Christophe Raynaud de Lage. BY JAMIE SHUM The history of performing arts festivals dates back to the 18th century - the Three Hong Kong: Hong Kong Arts Festival Choirs Festival and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in England are known as hk.artsfestival.org the oldest on-going arts festivals in the world. Performing arts festivals serve as The Hong Kong Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, is dedicated to showcasing cultural and performing arts programs from all over the world. This year’s edition took place from February 16th to March 19th, with the theme ‘in the moment’ in place throughout the festival. Veteran musicians and performing groups, such as cellist Truls Mørk and the Oslo Philharmonic, to local Hong Kong artists from the Festival PLUS program, are some of the a spectacular venue for art lovers, makers, and enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the overlaying beauty and excitement that make up the arts. Popular tourist destinations, from Hong Kong to Paris, in countries all around the world hold performing arts festivals to not only showcase their culture and traditions, but also facilitate and encourage cultural and arts exchange with others. If you’re an avid festival-goer, here are some of the top performing arts festivals you don’t want to miss out on. 24 Cennarium.com upcoming acts to be featured. #cennariumbackstage 25