Bahrain's much-awaited cultural extravaganza returns next year with a diverse calendar of new and exciting events during January and February.
Featuring music, the arts, history and heritage, the Spring of Culture’s programme was announced during a Press conference at the Bahrain National Theatre yesterday.
The 19th edition of the annual festival will take place from January 6 to February 28, 2025.
“The Spring of Culture is an integral part of our calendar for the year, offering an opportunity to showcase both Bahraini and international culture in the kingdom,” Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told the GDN.
Shaikh Khalifa speaking during yesterday’s Press conference
“Bahrain has always been a land where cultures meet. It is, in essence, part of our DNA – welcoming other cultures and engaging with them. This is something critical and essential particularly in today’s world where we need to understand and appreciate other cultures, and we can only do that by providing these bridges, through exposure to other cultures,” he added.
Joining Shaikh Khalifa at the Press conference were Al Dana Amphitheatre chief executive Damian Bush and deputy chief executive Mohamed Al Ansari, ambassadors, festival partners and supporters.
Shaikh Khalifa said that the festival celebrates Bahrain not only as a prime location for the finest artistic and musical experiences but also as a destination that brings the public together through heritage with diverse activities, including tours that explore history, archaeological sites and ancient cities.
Among the performers at the festival will be renowned Bahraini singer and songwriter Ebrahim Habib who is returning to the stage on January 9 after more than two decades. He will be accompanied by top maestro Zeyad Zaiman and other acts.
The Arab world’s most renowned musician Kadim Al Saher, known as Caesar, is set to perform for the third time in the festival. The concert on January 10 will be held at Al Dana Amphitheatre.
The Iraqi singer has witnessed success over his 40-year career with songs as Do You Have Any Doubts, Ana Wa Layla, Love School, Intensify My Love and Lovers’ Eid, amongst others.
Iraqi artist Kadim Al Sahir
Known for his romantic poetry and signature style blending Arabesque classics with international styles, the pop legend will showcase, among other things, his latest album ‘Maa Al Hob’.
Bahraini traditional bands Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya, Shabab Al Hidd, and Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda, named after their place of origin, will also perform throughout the festival.
The Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya band
Local acts will also collaborate with international performers like the fusion concert with Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra and Yemeni Melody.
“Every year, we make sure to include a lot of our own identity. It’s a great time for people to take their children out, and also for the youth to understand their culture,” said Baca culture and museums director general Farah Mattar.
International sets include famed Dutch maestro André Rieu, who will be joined by 300 dancers spinning and waltzing to the tunes of the violinist and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
Grammy-winning Scottish composer Lorne Balfe, of Top Gun: Maverick fame, will perform the score with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
A series of art exhibitions will bring alive diverse traditional forms including Japanese Asahiyaki pottery that will be on display, starting February 28, at the From Hand to Hand – 100-Years-New Craft showcase.
In addition, from February 16 onwards, Iraqi artist Rafa Al Nasiri’s poetic and visual creations through calligraphy and personal reflections, as well as Egyptian heritage portrayed using modern abstract techniques by artist Klay Kassam, will be showcased at the National Museum and Folk Art Space, respectively.
Artwork by Egyptian creative Klay Kassem
The festival will feature tours of iconic locations, where visitors can rediscover the rich heritage of Manama Suq with From The Post series, explore Qal’at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) – a Unesco World Heritage Site, and get a taste of augmented reality at Bahrain National Museum.
Spring of Culture will also feature workshops, promoting local handicrafts, from Al Naqda embroidery and pottery to Arabic calligraphy, traditional boat making and palm tree care.
For more details, visit www.springofculture.org
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))