InClassica - the world's biggest musical observatory returns to Dubai

The InClassica International Music Festival has returned to Dubai, marking its 11th edition. The month-long classical music celebration is made up of 15 renowned soloists, three leading orchestras, 11 conductors and 26 performances at Dubai Opera.

As the sun goes down each evening, InClassica’s stars come out, including revered conductor Dmitry Yablonsky, who spoke to Euronews' Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham before the curtain was raised on the opening night.

"You know, when the music starts, in general, you forget that you have a backache, that your shoes hurt. You see this gorgeous (Dubai Opera) hall with its beautiful acoustics. To share the music, with this audience in Dubai, it's a sublime idea of Konstantin Ishkhanov, who is the President of the festival - of this whole project," Yablonsky said.   

This season's repertoire includes well-known classics by Verdi, Beethoven and Debussy, to name a few. Plus, contemporary masterpieces by composer-in-residence Alexey Shor.

Respected violinist, Sergej Krylov, says kinship and cultural diplomacy emanates through Shor’s melodic compositions.

"I like this music for the harmony, for the impression of the phrasing, for many different reasons," Krylov explains. 

Speaking about how InClassica helps foster international cooperation and friendship, Krylov adds: 

"The globalisation of music is very important. The changing (and) interchanging of the cultures is very important. And this festival represents this international way of thinking (about) the music, full of great ideas that connect different cultures."

South Korean Yekwon Sunwoo is one of the world's foremost soloists. For this award winning pianist, playing, provides escapism and calm in a fast paced world. 

"Sometimes in life, you