Winners Announced for Inaugural Abu Dhabi International Composition Competition

Abu Dhabi, UAE – January 2026:

In an exciting reveal, the Abu Dhabi Festival, a key initiative of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), has announced the laureates of the first-ever Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC), marking a historic moment for the Middle East in the realm of international music.

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Patron of the Abu Dhabi Festival, this competition underscores Abu Dhabi's burgeoning significance as a global hub of music and creativity.

Daniele Gasparini has clinched first place in the Orchestra Category with his piece En el Aire, while Andrey Zubets earned first place in the Piano Category for his composition Mirror Preludes. Both will have the honor of premiering their works at the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival in April 2026, which will feature worldwide streaming.

ADICC has garnered 165 submissions from 47 nations, showcasing a remarkable level of international engagement and diverse musical perspectives. Initiated in May 2025, this competition aligns with Abu Dhabi’s aspirations as a UNESCO-recognized City of Music, fostering innovation and promoting contemporary composition from emerging talents worldwide.

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, noted that the competition aims to bolster Abu Dhabi’s status as a global beacon for music and creative interchange. She emphasized that ADICC not only offers a platform for budding composers but also nurtures artistic innovation and connects new musical voices with audiences far and wide.

The winners were chosen by a prestigious international jury helmed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun, alongside notable composers such as Shen Ye, Elmar Lampson, Aigerim Seilova, Naji Hakim, and producer Robert Townson. The jury commended the winning pieces for their artistic merit, emotional resonance, and the successful integration of diverse cultural musical traditions. The works were judged based on their live performance viability by professional musicians.

As the premier winners, Gasparini and Zubets will each receive AED 130,000, along with a recording opportunity and a live premiere at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026. Their compositions will be recorded under the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform, which has supported global talents for more than 15 years, resulting in 36 original works and 80 co-commissions.

Second place honors of AED 50,000 went to Nadim Tarabay for Sinfonietta en Spirale (Orchestra Category) and Tarek Yamani for Dabke in C Saba (Piano Category). Third place winners, receiving AED 25,000, included Thomas Kornel for Fear, Rage, Fire (Orchestra Category) and Bruno Vlahek for Mirage Toccata (Piano Category).

With initiatives such as ADICC, ADMAF remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting emerging artists, fostering cultural dialogue, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's prestige as a leader in global music and creative excellence.