A teenage Bahraini musician has spoken about the joy he experiences from performing and bringing classical music to a new younger audience who had yet to marvel the magical melodies of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.
Mohammed Al Najjar, 16, also known as ‘Momo, ended the grand opening of the Bahrain Summer Festival on a high note after performing classical pieces by European grandmasters.
He had previously performed at the Bahrain National Theatre, along with a dozen prestigious venues in the UK and Italy.
In the final act of the night, children, many witnessing a classical music concert for the first time in their lives, filled the seats of the Cultural Hall as the teenager played piano.
“I love to perform,” Mohammed told the GDN. “When I’m on stage, it is just me and the piano and I forget everything-else.
“After I perform, I feel a sense of accomplishment, especially if I feel I have played well and members of the audience, particularly the younger ones, have enjoyed themselves.”
The teenager, who has also appeared on stage with the acclaimed London Philharmonic Orchestra, said that he practises at least three-hours-a-day in the run up to any big show.
He currently attends the prestigious Purcell School for Young Musicians in Hertfordshire, England, where he is allowed to focus on further developing his musical talent.
“I have always wanted to attend music school, and I finally got the opportunity in 2020,” he explained. “We learn musical theory, analysis and composition, along with practising our chosen instruments.”
Although Mohammed can also play the violin proficiently, it remains second fiddle when it comes to chosen instruments because he prefers the piano due to the wide range of music, genres and eras that can be played on it.
And, the teenager, who started playing at the tender age of five, has more than just classical pieces on his mind.
When asked about the kind of musical career he hoped to one day pursue, Mohammed said he dreams of becoming a composer.
“I have created several original pieces for the piano, the string family (violin, viola, cello and double bass) and even an orchestra,” he said. “And, I have already performed some of my original compositions.”
This musical ability and passion, he says, was sparked by his late grandfather, to whom he dedicated his Bahrain Summer Festival performance.
Majid Jawad Aljishi, who died last October, had a deep love for opera music and was the president of the Bahrain Classical Music Society.
According to Mohammed’s mother Mai Aljishi, her father had encouraged his grandson to take this path, adding that the two were very close.
The Bahrain Summer Festival was organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
The festival’s opening event also showcased multi-instrumental performances by four other Bahraini musicians, including sisterly duo Haya and Layan Al Hamad.
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