”I’ve Fallen in Love With Alexey Shor’s Music” Says Lionel Bringuier as InClassica 2025 Returns To Dubai

All set to dazzle international audiences at The 14th annual edition of the InClassica International Music Festival, highly regarded French conductor and cellist Lionel Bringuier, currently serving as the music director of Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, will make his highly-anticipated debut at the historic affair.

Making a grand return to Dubai Opera this April 2025, The 14th annual edition of InClassica, dedicated to Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor, will welcome audiences to a two-week extravaganza offering sensational musical performances featuring renowned soloists, conductors and operas from all over the globe, from the 6th to the 21st of the month. 

Among the impressive lineup of virtuosos conducting at this year’s event is none other than France’s very own Lionel Bringuier, a maestro who has toured extensively around the world at the invitation of symphonies, chamber orchestras, and opera houses. Bringuier also has an exceptional string of accolades under his belt, having served as Music Director of Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and holding posts at Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León in Valladolid, Orchestre de Bretagne and Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, making him a household name throughout Europe.

Scheduled to mesmerise Dubai with a stunning concert titled ‘Maxim Vengerov – Violin Virtuoso’ on April 10th, alongside the Franz Schubert Filharmonia, Bringuier will be conducting the acclaimed Monegasque violinist who will present a special evening dedicated to the magic of classical music, with a programme featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, Alexey Shor’s Violin Concerto No. 6 “Carpe diem”, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

Reflecting on his upcoming participation at InClassica, Lionel Bringuier gave an exclusive interview about his approach to conducting, his goals for the groundbreaking festival and the importance of its aims to foster classical music in Dubai and the GCC region.

How does it feel to be a part of The InClassica International Music Festival?

I’m looking forward to participating in the festival, as this will be my first time conducting in Dubai. It’s really nice to have international musicians and audiences coming to the UAE to enjoy wonderful music. I’m particularly excited about sharing the stage with the legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov, performing the Violin Concerto by Alexey Shor, a composer I wholeheartedly admire, and, of course, conducting the Franz Schubert Filharmonia. I am also looking forward to reuniting with my colleagues from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, whom I recently conducted.

What role do you think a conductor plays in festivals like InClassica, where there is a focus on bringing together established and emerging talent? How do you shape the experience for both the performers and the audience?

Bringing together established and rising talent is an excellent specificity of this festival. For younger performers, it’s an incredible opportunity to share the stage with superstars like Maxim Vengerov and Mikhail Pletnev. This pairing also benefits the audience by allowing them to enjoy an extraordinary combination of soloists, conductors, and orchestras. Also, they have the chance to meet and support the next generation of talented musicians who represent the future of classical music.

InClassica Composer-in-Residence, Alexey Shor

Can you tell us more about the programme you’ll be conducting?

The programme is terrific. We start with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, one of my favourite pieces to conduct, as it starts with strong opening chords, which immediately captivate and take the audience from their seats. Next, there’s the Violin Concerto No. 6 “Carpe diem” by Alexey Shor, a contemporary piece which is extremely well orchestrated. I really admire Shor’s composing style, which features beautiful melodies and music that is enjoyable and easy to listen to. Recently, I performed two piano concerts by Alexey Shor in Tokyo, one with Mikhail Pletnev and the other with Behzod Abduraimov. I fell in love with his music, appreciating his fantastic composing style and ability to provide a great balance between the soloists and the orchestra. I’m excited to perform one of his works again at InClassica with my dear friend Maxim Vengerov. Finally in the second half, we will present Mozart’s world-renowned Symphony No. 40 in G minor, a perfectly dramatic piece to conclude the concert.

What do you hope to convey to the audience through your concert?

Well, for me, the highlight of this programme is Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor’s Violin Concerto. I can’t wait to introduce this wonderful music to the audience and conduct a repertoire I truly love. This is a fantastic program, and I’m really, really looking forward to sharing it with classical music enthusiasts.

For more information about Lionel Bringuier’s performance at InClassica 2025 and to purchase tickets, visit the official website inclassica.com.

Lead photo credit : French Conductor and cellist Lionel Bringuier