Recital Series: Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun 2026 in Abu Dhabi

The Recital Series: Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun in Abu Dhabi brings cello and piano together at Zayed National Museum on Friday 30 October 2026, as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2026. Elham Al Marzooqi, described as the UAE’s first professional Emirati female cellist, joins Abu Dhabi-based pianist Sooyeon Jun for an evening that travels from the Baroque to the big screen.

It is a programme built to show just how much the cello can do. Expect Bach and Vivaldi, the warmth of Brahms, song-inspired music by Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninoff, and a finale of themes by Ennio Morricone and George Gershwin.

About the Recital Series: Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun in Abu Dhabi

This recital is one of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 performances, and it puts an Emirati soloist centre stage. The idea is simple and appealing: one cello, one piano and a carefully chosen route through several centuries of music. Along the way, the programme highlights both the versatility of the cello and the special partnership between the two instruments.

The page’s own tagline sums it up nicely: “Experience cello elegance through Baroque, Romantic and cinematic masterpieces.” If you enjoy classical music but also love a tune you recognise from the cinema, this mix is likely to suit you very well.

What to Expect

Baroque Beginnings: Bach and Vivaldi

The recital opens with music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. These composers represent the elegance, balance and clarity of the Baroque tradition, and they make a graceful start to the evening.

The Romantic Cello: Brahms

Next comes Johannes Brahms, whose writing shows off the cello’s rich tone and expressive range. This is where the instrument’s deeper, warmer voice comes to the fore.

Songs Without Words: Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninoff

The programme continues with works and song-inspired arrangements by Franz Schubert, Camille Saint-Saëns and Sergei Rachmaninoff. These pieces show how the cello can sound intimate and emotional at the same time.

Cinematic Finale: Morricone and Gershwin

The final section features well-known themes by Ennio Morricone and George Gershwin, bringing classical artistry together with film and popular influences. It is a lovely way to close, and a good reason to bring along a friend who is newer to classical concerts.

Meet the Musicians

Elham Al Marzooqi, Cello

Elham Al Marzooqi is described as the UAE’s first professional Emirati female cellist. She has performed with the Dubai Chamber Orchestra, the Emirates Community Symphonic Orchestra and the Firdaus Orchestra, and has appeared at Carnegie Hall. Her musicianship continues to contribute to the country’s growing classical music scene.

Sooyeon Jun, Piano

Sooyeon Jun is a collaborative pianist based in Abu Dhabi. Born in Seoul, she also teaches at the British School Al Khubairat.

Key Highlights

• An Emirati cello soloist in recital at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
• Cello and piano partnership with pianist Sooyeon Jun
• Music by Bach, Vivaldi, Brahms, Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninoff
• A cinematic finale with themes by Morricone and Gershwin
• Held at Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island

The Venue: Zayed National Museum

The recital takes place at Zayed National Museum in the Cultural District on Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

Visitor Tips

• Check availability: the event was listed as sold out on Platinumlist at the time of writing, so check the booking page for any changes.
• Arrive early: the organisers ask guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. Late arrivals may only be admitted at a break, if there is one, and may be refused entry.
• Keep to your seat: stay in your assigned seat. Unclaimed seats may be reassigned if you have not arrived before the show begins.
• Phones away: phones and cameras are prohibited during the performance, and phones must be silenced.
• Security checks: bags may be inspected, and prohibited items will be confiscated.
• Age policy: the recital is for ages 10 and over.
• By car: GPS is recommended. The suggested route runs through Sheikh Zayed Tunnel and Mina Zayed Tunnel onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, then the exit towards Jacques Chirac Street.
• By bus: take bus 94 or AR2 to the Jacques Chirac St / Team Lab Phenomena Abu Dhabi stop, about a one-minute walk away.
• Taxis: taxis and ride-hailing apps are available.

From Bach to Gershwin in a single evening, this is a warm and varied introduction to the cello in the hands of an Emirati soloist. Check the booking page for the Recital Series: Elham Al Marzooqi & Sooyeon Jun in Abu Dhabi and plan your evening on Saadiyat Island.