Il Divo to Perform in Abu Dhabi, 4/2

Flash Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi-based live events organisers, today announced a date for an Il Divo concert - due to take place at Emirates Palace, West Park on 2nd April and showcased as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2010.

Combining all of the popular appeal of previous Flash Entertainment events such as Rihanna and Coldplay, along with the classical gravitas of Andrea Bocelli; the Il Divo concert promises to shatter preconceived ideas of music with a performance of romantic and popular songs in an operatic style. The talented quartet will showcase their most recent album; ‘The Promise‘, with versions of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's ‘The Power of Love' and ABBA's ‘Winner Takes It All' alongside much loved classics such as ‘Amazing Grace' and ‘Adagio'. The album combines semi-orchestral arrangements and close harmonies to create a confident and accomplished collection.

"We're determined to keep raising the bar for entertainment in Abu Dhabi, with a wide range of acts and events throughout the year. This concert will bring something completely new to the capital, bridging the gap between classical music and pop culture and introducing the younger generations to a whole new style of music", commented John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment. "Flash is committed to bringing the world's leading performers to the capital, whether from the sporting arenas or the world of performing arts, to put Abu Dhabi on the map as a hub for entertainment and culture.

Il Divo was formed in 2004 as a multinational operatic pop vocal group, with members from Switzerland, the USA, Spain and France. Il Divo has since become the most successful international break out story of the past few years, selling more than 25million albums. Conquering the hearts of fans and the charts of nations all around the world, the group has garnered over 150 gold and platinum awards in 33 countries. They have performed for over 2 million people on their recent tours and won last year's Billboard Breakthrough Award for having one of the year's top grossing tours; playing 130 arena shows across six continents.

Echoing the cultural diversity of Abu Dhabi itself, Il Divo's music appeals to every nationality, whilst simultaneously introducing lovers of popular music to the operatic style. Sebastien Izambard from Il Divo stated "We're really excited to be finally making it to Abu Dhabi and playing this special show as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Our first experience in the UAE was in Dubai which we loved, and a couple of us have even been back for holidays, so we're really keen to learn more about the community there and be part of this special arts and cultural festival."

The concert will take place during the renowned Abu Dhabi Festival 2010, which aims to provide a platform to fuse world-class performances from the masters of the arts world today with cultural local vision and a depth of community spirit. In showcasing Il Divo, Flash Entertainment and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation will be working together for the second time as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2010, after previously presenting the successful Andrea Bocelli concert in the grounds of Emirates Palace, attracting an audience of over 11,000.

"One of the key missions of the Abu Dhabi Festival is to encourage everyone to embrace culture and the arts, in order to lay a strong foundation for the development of Abu Dhabi as a cultural center for the region and a key player in the international arts world," commented H.E Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.
"Singers such as Il Divo, whose work spans the worlds of opera and popular music, provide a beautiful introduction to the joys of operatic technique. I look forward to working with Flash again this year to take the spirit of the Abu Dhabi Festival to a wider audience."

The Abu Dhabi Festival 2010 runs from 20 March to 7 April 2010 and events will primarily be hosted at the Emirates Palace.

Il Divo in concert, Live in Abu Dhabi is sponsored by Aldar, Du and Etihad Airways and supported by Marina Mall, Synaxis Media,Time Out Abu Dhabi, Showtime, Radio 2, ENG and Emirates Palace.

Il Divo in Concert, live in Abu Dhabi is an all-seated concert with tickets on sale from today, Tuesday March 2nd, across four categories; Diamond at AED 1,295, Pearl at AED 995, Coral at AED 595 and Grand Stand seats at AED 345. Tickets are available from, www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin

About Flash:
Flash is an Abu Dhabi-based multi-faceted event management company with a global approach. Driven by a team of passionate professionals, distinctive events and a commitment to excellence, Flash offers comprehensive event management solutions which leave lasting impressions. Specializing in concerts, cultural and sport events, theatrical productions and festivals, Flash is involved with 360° event management: from concepts and designs through to coordinating every stage of production.

The Flash team is behind the most seamlessly executed and high profile events in the region, which have received wide acclaim and international recognition, including concerts from artists including Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, George Michael & Alicia Keys, and Shakira as well as the world premiere of the film Journey to Mecca . In January 2009, Flash also staged the Capitala World Tennis Championship, Abu Dhabi, to critical acclaim; the capitals first international tennis tournament and the company's first major sporting spectacle.
www.thinkflash.ae

About Il Divo:
For four young men it has been an incredible journey.

The dramatic rise of Il Divo has been incredible in its speed and ground-breaking in its success over the last three years, bringing an entirely new sound to the world of popular music. It is a sound that is unique: a blend of four exceptional voices, bringing the passion and virtuosity of their operatic technique and training to the interpretation of romantic and popular songs.

Launched in the UK late 2004, after a worldwide search of the international opera houses and concert halls by pop impresario Simon Cowell, the group were christened Il Divo - an Italian word meaning ‘Divine Performer'. Their multi-national identity reflects the universal appeal of their music; combining the individual talents of tenor David Miller from the USA, vox populi Sebastien Izambard from France, tenor Urs Bühler from Switzerland, and baritone Carlos Marin from Spain.

Il Divo have since become the most successful international musical break-out story of the past few years, selling more than 25 million albums. Conquering the hearts of fans and the charts of nations all around the world, the group has garnered over 150 gold and platinum awards in 33 countries. Their first 4 albums, Il Divo, Ancora, Siempre & The Promise have achieved 50 #1 album chart positions internationally, including at #1 debut in the United States for Ancora - the only classical crossover album to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Their first album was even the highest charting debut album for a UK signed act ever in America.

Il Divo have also quickly launched onto the stages of the world with great success...already selling over 2 million concert tickets. Their first world tour was a complete sell out, reaching 69 cities across 18 countries and was followed by a broader 2007 tour drawing continuous standing ovations across 30 countries. Their recent ‘An Evening With Il Divo' which spanned most of 2009 saw the tour travel a full arena show across six continents, with over 130 dates. Il Divo closed the year with their first ever bespoke Christmas shows ‘Celebrate Christmas with Il Divo' which featured traditional and favourite seasonal repertoire with a full orchestra and special guests across the UK, US and Canada.

The prestigious honor of joining Barbra Streisand on tour in North America, and many unique high profile performances such as the opening & closing ceremonies of the FIFA 2006 World Cup (at which they sang the official theme song with Toni Braxton), and a performance at The Purple Inauguration Ball in Washington for President Obama, have also been key highlights.

www.ildivo.com

About ADMAF:

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision. Established in 1996, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the patronage and Presidency of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ADMAF Patron and President.

ADMAF's broad programme of initiatives and events - including the Abu Dhabi Festival and the International Comic Strip & Cartoon Art Festival among many others - brings together audiences of all ages and nationalities. Through its educational and community programs, it nurtures the creative talent of the UAE and beyond, in partnership with leading national and international institutions.