The Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester (Youth Orchestra), led by internationally celebrated conductor, Christoph Eschenbach, is to perform a concert overlooking the Louvre Abu Dhabi construction site featuring two world premiere commissions. The concert, "Universal Expressions: Inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi", takes place on 16th March at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island.

The evening will begin with Emirati composer Faisal Al Saari's especially commissioned piece, "Zayed's Dream", which will link and intertwine the wide symphonic sounds of a classical orchestra with melodies and instruments from Emirati heritage. This will be followed by a world premiere from Bruno Mantovani, one of today's greatest living contemporary French composers and Director of the Conservatoire de Paris, called "Once Upon a Time". The Cello Fantasy will be performed by one of today's star soloists, Gautier Capucon. Following the interval, the orchestra will perform the spectacular symphonic piece, "La Mer" (The Sea) by Impressionist composer, Claude Debussy.

In the context of Emirati-French cultural dialogue, this concert is part of a prestigious programme initiated by TCA Abu Dhabi and French authorities taking place in the lead up to the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "The Emirati-French cultural programme is a reflection of the longstanding cultural partnership between Abu Dhabi and France. Launching the programme with the renowned Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester performing for the first time in the UAE, with the world premiere of musical compositions, celebrates Louvre Abu Dhabi's value of universality and its openness to world cultures."

Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said, "This moment embodies the continued dialogue between the UAE and France. In an important year for bilateral relations between our two countries, it will be wonderful to see works by an Emirati and a French composer, performed by a European orchestra with one of the best French soloists, and directed by the former Director of the Orchestre de Paris."

The orchestra, which will stay in residence in Abu Dhabi for three weeks, will also play two further performances, one in Al Ain at Al Jahili Fort and one at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace, as part of the Abu Dhabi Classics international concert series.