Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night Kicks off Global Celebration of Music and Culture

23/04/2025

Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night Kicks off Global Celebration of Music and Culture The concert, held the night before International Jazz Day, will feature esperanza spalding, Mayssa Karaa, and the HeJAZZ ensemble.

By

Daniel Pesquera

April 22, 2025

esperanza spalding BM 05 will Berklee Abu Dhabis Jazz Night ahead of International Jazz Day

Courtesy of the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival

Berklee alumni, students, faculty, and guest artists from around the world will come together to perform at Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night, taking place at the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center on April 29 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. GST. The program showcases a dynamic range of styles and cultural traditions from local and international musicians, and leads directly into International Jazz Day 2025 on April 30. This year's International Jazz Day event in Abu Dhabi will feature several renowned Berklee alumni and faculty.

Headlining Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night is five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer esperanza spalding BM '05, who will be playing a selection of songs from various albums. Other featured artists include Turkish musician H sn enlendirici, a virtuosic clarinetist known for his distinct blend of Anatolian folk, Turkish classical music, and jazz; Lebanese composer, singer, and musician Charbel Rouhana, whose remarkable versatility as an oud player is credited with redefining the instrument; and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Mayssa Karaa BM '12, who serves as the artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi.

The Jazz Night concert speaks to the core of what jazz represents, a unifying musical language that transcends and bridges musical traditions from all over the world, said Karaa, who will perform jazz-infused arrangements of traditional Arabic songs alongside reimagined jazz classics. It is also a great opportunity to highlight the tremendous wealth of talent we have here at Berklee Abu Dhabi and across the region. It will be an incredible thrill for our community to welcome esperanza, H ns , Charbel and other international artists on the eve of International Jazz Day.

Mayssa Karaa BM 12 will perform arrangements that weave together Western musical styles with elements of local Arabic culture.

Image courtesy of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism

Joining each guest artist is the Berklee Abu Dhabi HeJAZZ ensemble, who will present original arrangements that adapt and reinterpret each performer's unique musical repertoire. Founded by Berklee Abu Dhabi faculty member Samvel Gasparyan and former faculty member Yarub Smarait MM '15, the ensemble features standout alumni and regional musicians that fuse big band energy with a diverse range of cultural influences from the Arab world and the improvisational essence of jazz.

This concert reflects Berklee Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering global dialogue through music, said Gael Hedding BM '05, director of Berklee Abu Dhabi. By presenting artists who blend tradition and innovation, we're honoring jazz as a living, evolving art form-and positioning Abu Dhabi at the heart of that conversation.

Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night also celebrates Abu Dhabi as the 2025 Global Host City of International Jazz Day, a global event that culminates with the All-Star Global Concert at Etihad Arena. Several Berklee alumni and faculty are among the lineup of world renowned artists, including Terri Lyne Carrington, Grammy-winning drummer and artistic director and founder of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice; Danilo P rez, Grammy-winning pianist and artistic director and founder of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute; Linda May Han Oh, associate professor and Grammy-winning bassist and composer; and Tia Fuller, professor and Grammy-nominated saxophonist.

Berklee Abu Dhabi's Jazz Night takes place on April 29 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. GST at the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center. Tickets are available for purchase.

Related Categories

News

Most Popular

Toto in the recording studio from Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary.

Photograph by Jim Hagopian/HBO

The Best Music Documentaries on Every Streaming Platform Explore groundbreaking music documentaries streaming across Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and more. From intimate artist portraits to legendary concert films, discover the stories behind your favorite artists and iconic moments.

Latest

Electronic Production and Design students perform at a showcase event.

Students, Alumni, and Faculty Represent Berklee at International Computer Music Conference The 50th anniversary of the global event takes place June 8-14 at several local institutions, including Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Francisco Mela and Kim Perlak performing in January 2025

Image by Bryan Lasky

Listen to Kim Perlak and Francisco Mela's New Album, Recorded in a Single Afternoon The duo's debut album, Spaces, recorded live without edits or overdubs, is a testament to risk-taking, real-time connection, and crossing musical boundaries.

Argentine musician Fito Pa z spoke to Berklee students on the Boston campus on April 14, 2025.

Image by Kelly Davidson

Detach Yourself from the Herd': Fito P ez Inspires at Berklee In a session hosted by the Mediterranean Music Institute, the influential Argentine musician encouraged students to reflect, question, and dance.

Read All

Subscribe The latest sounds, stories, and ideas, sent to your inbox weekly.
LINK: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/berklee-abu-dhabi-s-jazz-nigh...
See more stories from berklee

More from Berklee

26/07/2025

Berklee's South Asian Scholar Association Celebrate First-Ever Concert at Brighton Music Hall

Berklee's South Asian Scholar Association Celebrate First-Ever Concert at Br...

25/07/2025

That Great Gretsch Sound: The Iconic Gear that Made Music History

That Great Gretsch Sound: The Iconic Gear that Made Music History From the Beatles on Ed Sullivan to jazz drumming evolution, Gretsch has been there. Listen t...

25/07/2025

Berklee Partners with Playing for Legacy for 2025 Summer Program

Berklee Partners with Playing for Legacy for 2025 Summer Program Students from around the world gain real-world music industry experience through hands-on art...

24/07/2025

Allison Miller Named the 2025-2026 Ken Pullig Visiting Scholar in Jazz Studies

Allison Miller Named the 2025-2026 Ken Pullig Visiting Scholar in Jazz Studies The three-time Jazz Journalists Association Drummer of the Year nominee will ...

23/07/2025

The Velvet Sundown: The AI Band Controversy Explained

The Velvet Sundown: The AI Band Controversy Explained Berklee faculty explain what you need to know about the now-confirmed AI band with over 1 million stream...

18/07/2025

Berklee Singers Wow the Competition on Netflixs Building the Band

Berklee Singers Wow the Competition on Netflixs Building the Band Netflixs new music competition show features two Berklee artists looking to make their pop b...

17/07/2025

Berklee Wins CASE Award for Standout Digital Campaign

Berklee Wins CASE Award for Standout Digital Campaign The Alumni Affairs team's Variations Signature Series earned recognition for offering an authentic p...

17/07/2025

Berklee Alumni Nominated for 2025 Emmy Awards

Berklee Alumni Nominated for 2025 Emmy Awards Twenty-seven Berklee alumni received nominations across categories in sound mixing, sound editing, and compositi...

11/07/2025

Model/Actriz Performs Lead Single Cinderella on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Model/Actriz Performs Lead Single Cinderella on The Late Show with Stephen Colbe...

03/07/2025

Berklee's Gospel Performance Program Welcomes Jonathan Nelson as the Herb Alpert Visiting Artist

Berklee's Gospel Performance Program Welcomes Jonathan Nelson as the Herb Al...

02/07/2025

Boston Conservatory and the Sphinx Organization Join Forces to Make Classical Education Accessible

Boston Conservatory and the Sphinx Organization Join Forces to Make Classical Ed...

30/06/2025

Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics to Host 40th Anniversary Concert

Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics to Host 40th Anniversary Concert The celebration will be held on July 10 in Perugia, Italy. By Colette Greenstein June 30, 202...

27/06/2025

How Two Berklee Alumni Landed Songs in the Oscar-Winning Film Anora

How Two Berklee Alumni Landed Songs in the Oscar-Winning Film Anora Joseph Capalbo BM '12 and Lyusi Simon BM '16 share how their collaboration spanned...

26/06/2025

Berklee in Puerto Rico 30th Anniversary Celebration Culminates in Awarding $3.74 Million in Financial Aid

Berklee in Puerto Rico 30th Anniversary Celebration Culminates in Awarding $3.74...

25/06/2025

Study Reveals Stark Gender Gap in Jazz Education

Study Reveals Stark Gender Gap in Jazz Education A new report from the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and researcher Lara Pellegrinelli finds th...

25/06/2025

Jazz at the Fort Returns, Featuring Yoron Israel and High Standards

Jazz at the Fort Returns, Featuring Yoron Israel and High Standards The performance is part of Berklee's Summer in the City concert series. By Kelly Won...

19/06/2025

Chelsey Green Makes History as Recording Academy Board Chair

Chelsey Green Makes History as Recording Academy Board Chair The violinist, violist, vocalist, and Berklee professor is the first Black woman and youngest per...

18/06/2025

Bostons Dear Summer Mixtape Vol. 3 Features Berklee Artists, DJs, and Producers

Bostons Dear Summer Mixtape Vol. 3 Features Berklee Artists, DJs, and Producers Created by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainm...

13/06/2025

Berklee's Music Business/Management Department Recognized by the Music Biz Association

Berklee's Music Business/Management Department Recognized by the Music Biz A...

13/06/2025

On Chick Coreas Birthday, a Newly Uncovered Archival Release

On Chick Coreas Birthday, a Newly Uncovered Archival Release The Visitors, composed by Corea and performed by vibraphonist Gary Burton and pianist Kirill Gers...

11/06/2025

Boston Conservatory Heads to Tanglewood This Summer

Boston Conservatory Heads to Tanglewood This Summer Student dancers and musicians from Boston Conservatory at Berklee will debut a new work by choreographer K...

10/06/2025

Berklee Professor Regie Gibson Named First Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

Berklee Professor Regie Gibson Named First Poet Laureate of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey honored Gibson as the inaugural Poet Laureate for the state in...

10/06/2025

Summer Songwriting Programs: Boston or LA? Berklee Lets You Choose Your Coast

Summer Songwriting Programs: Boston or LA? Berklee Lets You Choose Your Coast Whether you head east or west, Berklee offers aspiring songwriters the chance to...

07/06/2025

Berklee Professor's Fulbright Project Addresses Suicide Loss Through Art

Berklee Professor's Fulbright Project Addresses Suicide Loss Through Art Ray Seol's cross-cultural production Another Season draws from personal grief...

05/06/2025

Bob Clearmountain to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Berklee NYC Graduate Commencement

Bob Clearmountain to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Berklee NYC Graduate Commence...

04/06/2025

Betsie Becker Named Executive Director of Berklee NYC

Betsie Becker Named Executive Director of Berklee NYC A veteran arts and education leader, Becker brings a strategic vision for academic innovation and commun...

03/06/2025

Antonio Snchez '97 to Deliver Keynote at Berklee College of Music's Graduate Commencement

Antonio S nchez '97 to Deliver Keynote at Berklee College of Music's Gra...

03/06/2025

Alf Clausen, Composer for The Simpsons, Dies at 84

Alf Clausen, Composer for The Simpsons, Dies at 84 Alf Clausen '66 won two Emmys during his 26-year career on the iconic animated series. By Tara Bellu...

30/05/2025

How Musicians Can (and Should) Use AI-According to Berklee Experts

How Musicians Can (and Should) Use AI-According to Berklee Experts At Berklee's first AI and Music Innovation event, artists and educators explored how ar...

30/05/2025

The Most Underrated Hip-Hop Producers, According to J. Rawls

The Most Underrated Hip-Hop Producers, According to J. Rawls The producer whos worked with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, the Roots, and Common, joined a panel on camp...

23/05/2025

Berklee Global and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Host Emerging Talent Intensive Program in Mexico City

Berklee Global and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Host Emerging Talent Intensi...

23/05/2025

Berklees 2025 Commencement, Through the Lens of a Graduate

Berklees 2025 Commencement, Through the Lens of a Graduate Photographer Matthew Ryu shares a look at Berklees 2025 commencement from a graduates POV. By Ma...

22/05/2025

Berklee Online Holds Annual Berklee Onsite Music Conference May 30-31

Berklee Online Holds Annual Berklee Onsite Music Conference May 30-31 Kamilah Marshall, a backing vocalist for Taylor Swift, will give the keynote presentatio...

22/05/2025

Music Marketing: 5 Practical Strategies for Independent Artists

Music Marketing: 5 Practical Strategies for Independent Artists Five ways help you build visibility, engage your audience, and grow your fanbase-including one...

20/05/2025

From Death Becomes Her to Dead Outlaw, Boston Conservatory Actors Are Killing It This Awards Season

From Death Becomes Her to Dead Outlaw, Boston Conservatory Actors Are Killing It...

19/05/2025

Berklee's Summer in the City Returns with Free Concerts Throughout the Boston Area

Berklee's Summer in the City Returns with Free Concerts Throughout the Bosto...

16/05/2025

Berklee Announces Jonathan Mahoney as the New Dean for Pre-College, Online, and Professional Programs

Berklee Announces Jonathan Mahoney as the New Dean for Pre-College, Online, and ...

15/05/2025

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Honors Tania Len and Kelli O'Hara at Commencement Ceremony

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Honors Tania Le n and Kelli O'Hara at Commenc...

15/05/2025

John Yao Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship for Interactive Jazz Project

John Yao Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship for Interactive Jazz Project The Berklee professor and trombonist will debut Let's Make Some Noise, an immersive bi...

13/05/2025

Berklee Artists Take Center Stage at Top Music Festivals

Berklee Artists Take Center Stage at Top Music Festivals Thanks to the Berklee Popular Music Institute, students will perform at Lollapalooza, Governors Ball,...

12/05/2025

Building a Home Recording Studio? Here's What You Need.

Building a Home Recording Studio? Here's What You Need. Experts break down the home studio setup and share tips to create a pro-level recording space on a...

11/05/2025

Berklee Honors Andr 3000 and Sara Bareilles at 2025 Commencement

Berklee Honors Andr 3000 and Sara Bareilles at 2025 Commencement This years honorary doctorate recipients were recognized for their profound influence as art...

10/05/2025

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2025

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2025 Members of this years graduating class reflect on their proudest moments at Berklee and look ahead to whats next. ...

09/05/2025

Berklee Online Signs Transfer Articulation with Conservatorio Nacional de Msica

Berklee Online Signs Transfer Articulation with Conservatorio Nacional de M sica The new agreement allows CNM students in the Dominican Republic to transfer i...

09/05/2025

Berklee Popular Music Institute Announces UK Festival Debut and Tour Dates

Berklee Popular Music Institute Announces UK Festival Debut and Tour Dates For the first time, BPMI will bring Berklee-affiliated artists and students to the ...

08/05/2025

Student Spotlight: Grigori Balasanyan

Student Spotlight: Grigori Balasanyan The Armenian composer, who was named Boston Conservatory at Berklees 2025 student commencement speaker, talks about his ...

02/05/2025

Students, Alumni, and Faculty Represent Berklee at International Computer Music Conference

Students, Alumni, and Faculty Represent Berklee at International Computer Music ...

02/05/2025

Four Boston Conservatory Alumni Nominated for Tony Awards

Four Boston Conservatory Alumni Nominated for Tony Awards Fifteen alumni from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music contributed to nomin...

30/04/2025

Tania Len and Kelli O'Hara to be Honored at Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Commencement Ceremony

Tania Le n and Kelli O'Hara to be Honored at Boston Conservatory at Berklee&...

30/04/2025

Andr 3000 and Sara Bareilles to Receive Honorary Doctorates at Berklee College of Music 2025 Commencement

Andr 3000 and Sara Bareilles to Receive Honorary Doctorates at Berklee College ...