World-famous cellist Hauser to perform in Abu Dhabi

Known for transforming the cello into a powerful, expressive voice that bridges classical music with pop and rock, celebrated star Hauser will headline a special night at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 on May 2.

He promises an unforgettable performance that feels both fresh and timeless.

Organised by Live Nation Middle East and Abu Dhabi Festival in partnership with Abu Dhabi Music and Arts foundation and Miral, the show will be at Etihad Arena, with tickets going on sale on December 15 at 12pm GST on livenation.me.

Hauser's breakthrough came with his now-iconic rendition of Smooth Criminal, a performance that introduced his bold approach to millions and helped establish 2Cellos as one of the most dynamic instrumental duos of their era. Since then, he has toured the world, selling more than a million tickets and appearing at historic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Madison Square Garden.

His musical range is unusually wide, shifting with ease between Tchaikovsky and Lady Gaga or Shostakovich and Shakira. Along the way, he has performed for Pope Francis, American Presidents, and members of the British Royal Family, earning recognition at major international competitions and building a devoted global audience.

His collaborations span Andrea Bocelli, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Michael and Steven Tyler. During the 2020 pandemic, his visually striking Alone Together series took viewers through Croatia’s most cinematic landscapes, while his solo album Classic debuted at number one on the Billboard chart. With billions of views and streams across platforms, HAUSER continues to expand what instrumental performance can look and feel like.

Hauser's latest album Cinema is a sweeping homage to some of the most unforgettable melodies in film history. This special performance invites audiences into his cinematic universe, where movie themes and evergreen classics come together in an evening of elegance, emotion, and orchestral grandeur.