News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – Saadiyat Nights welcomed one of the world’s most influential contemporary composers on Thursday evening as Max Richter delivered a deeply moving performance that transformed Saadiyat Island into a space of reflection and connection.
Performing to a captivated audience, the 2026 Academy Award (Oscar) nominee presented a selection of sounds from across his celebrated repertoire, weaving together engaging piano passages, immersive electronic textures, and orchestral arrangements that showcased the richness that has defined his global acclaim.
Highlights of the evening included pieces from his acclaimed projects The Blue Notebooks and In A Landscape, the latter a meditative work exploring contrasts, reconciliation, and the search for harmony. Audiences were visibly moved as Richter performed, with each note played with the meticulous care that has made him one of the most distinctive voices in modern music.
Addressing the Abu Dhabi audience, the German-British composer and pianist said: “It’s wonderful to be here in such an incredible setting and atmosphere. We’ll begin with a record released last year, In a Landscape, followed by The Blue Notebooks.
The series continues on 31 January with Latin pop icon Ricky Martin, promising another spectacular night of live entertainment. Richter joins an extraordinary Saadiyat Nights 2025–2026 season featuring some of the biggest names in global music, with February set to deliver standout performances from global pop legend Mariah Carey (7 February), Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams (11 February) and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer (15 February).
Tickets for the remaining Saadiyat Nights 2025–2026 shows are available at Ticketmaster.ae.
