Elham Al Marzooqi and Sooyeon Jun’s Cello Recital at Zayed National

The UAE's pioneering female cello soloist performs an intimate recital with pianist Sooyeon Jun at one of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious cultural venues.

Few musicians embody the intersection of cultural identity and artistic excellence as distinctly as Elham Al Marzooqi, whose career has redefined what is possible for female classical musicians in the United Arab Emirates. As the nation’s first professional female cello soloist, Al Marzooqi represents a landmark moment in the region’s relationship with Western classical music, bringing to the instrument a voice that is both technically accomplished and deeply rooted in Emirati cultural consciousness. Her forthcoming recital at Zayed National Abu Dhabi promises an evening of refined artistry that will resonate with both seasoned classical music devotees and those encountering the cello’s expressive depths for the first time.

Joining Al Marzooqi for this special recital is pianist Sooyeon Jun, whose sensitivity and collaborative musicianship have established her as one of the most sought after accompanists in the chamber music world. The pairing of cello and piano represents one of the most intimate and rewarding of musical partnerships, one that demands extraordinary communication between performers and rewards audiences with an immediacy of expression that larger ensembles cannot achieve. The programme, performed across a single hour, will showcase the breadth and versatility of the cello repertoire and the profound musical conversation that two world class musicians can create together.

The cello has long occupied a distinctive place in Western classical music, preerously associated with the deep, singing voice at the heart of the orchestra. Yet in the hands of a soloist, it becomes something far more personal and searching, capable of expressive range that rivals the human voice itself. Al Marzooqi’s journey to professional prominence in this demanding field represents years of dedicated study and performance, establishing herself through competition, recital and recording as an artist of genuine distinction. Her presence in Abu Dhabi’s classical music landscape contributes significantly to the emirate’s growing reputation as a centre for cultural excellence and artistic innovation.

The performers and their significance

Elham Al Marzooqi has established herself through sustained excellence in performance and a commitment to advancing musical education and opportunity in the UAE. Her role as the nation’s first professional female cello soloist carries profound symbolic weight, opening doors for future generations of musicians and challenging conventional expectations about musical practice in the Gulf region. Al Marzooqi’s work extends beyond performance into mentorship and advocacy for classical music within Emirati society, making her a figure of considerable cultural importance.

Sooyeon Jun brings to the recital an international reputation built across numerous continents and concert halls. Her artistry at the keyboard is characterised by sensitivity to colour, phrasing and dialogue with her fellow musicians. The chemistry between soloist and accompanist will be central to the recital’s success, with the pianist’s role extending far beyond mere support to become an equal partner in musical interpretation and expression.

What to expect from the programme

The specifics of the evening’s repertoire will unfold as planned by the performers, but audiences can anticipate a journey through some of the cello’s most significant and moving works. The recital format allows for both virtuosic display and profound musical introspection, moving between periods and styles to demonstrate the instrument’s full range of capabilities. Whether featuring works from the Classical era, Romantic masterpieces or contemporary compositions, the programme will be constructed to create a coherent and satisfying musical narrative.

The venue: Zayed National Abu Dhabi

Zayed National Abu Dhabi stands among the emirate’s most respected cultural institutions, known for its commitment to presenting world class artists and fostering excellence in performance. The venue’s acoustic properties and intimate atmosphere make it an ideal setting for chamber music, where clarity of sound and proximity to the performers create an experience of remarkable immediacy. The setting itself lends distinction to any musical event held within its walls, and this recital will represent another chapter in its ongoing contribution to Abu Dhabi’s cultural life.

When and where

The recital takes place on Friday 30 October 2026, beginning at 08:00 PM and concluding at 09:00 PM. The performance is held at Zayed National Abu Dhabi. Tickets for this ticketed event are available online, allowing audiences to secure their seats in advance of this distinctive cultural occasion.

Tickets and admission

This is a ticketed event, and interested attendees should book online to reserve their place. As with many performances at Abu Dhabi’s principal cultural venues, early booking is advisable to ensure availability for this special recital by two accomplished musicians.

Why this matters for Abu Dhabi

The presence of artists of Al Marzooqi’s standing and significance in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar reinforces the emirate’s commitment to classical music and world class artistic performance. Her role as the UAE’s first professional female cello soloist makes this recital particularly meaningful within the context of the capital’s evolving cultural landscape. Such events contribute to Abu Dhabi’s international standing as a destination for refined artistic experiences and demonstrate the breadth of musical talent being nurtured within the region.

This recital represents an opportunity to encounter genuine artistry at close quarters, to witness the profound communication between two accomplished musicians, and to appreciate the cello’s extraordinary capacity for expressive beauty. For those who know classical music intimately and those encountering it anew, the evening promises to offer rewards of musicianship and humanity in equal measure.