The line-up for the 34th edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival has been announced, promising musical diversity from around the world.
Set to take place from October 2 to 16, this year’s festival is being organised by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and will feature music from Bahrain, Italy, France, Japan and Egypt.
“Audiences will enjoy a rich programme of orchestras and opera, Eastern and Western classics, and vibrant folk traditions,” Baca said in a statement.
“This year’s edition features the participation of the embassies of Italy, France, Japan and Egypt, with events hosted across cultural venues throughout the kingdom.”
The festival was launched in 1992, in line with the International Music Council’s principle, to promote the value of music in building peace and understanding among people cutting across class, culture and heritage. It aims to encourage and foster musical diversity by sharing knowledge and experience on various aspects of musical life.
Kicking off the 15-day event will be a tribute concert by the Cairo Opera House, in memory of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, sometimes called the ‘Voice of Egypt’.
The ticketed concert will take place on October 2 at Bahrain National Theatre at 8pm.
“From the heart of Cairo to the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre, the Cairo Opera House presents a special tribute to Umm Kulthum,” organisers added.
“Led by Maestro Ehab Abdelhamid and performed by opera stars Nehad Fathy and Ghada Adam, the evening will revive some of her most celebrated works, showcasing the beauty of Arab music and its living, contemporary spirit.”
On October 3 at the Cultural Hall at 8pm, Abdulla Haji and the Rouh Collective will take the stage for the ‘Jazz Muharraqi’ concert.
The Qalali Folk Band will perform on October 4 at 8pm at Dar Al Muharraq, followed by the Dar Bin Harban Folk Band on October 6 at their headquarters in Muharraq at 8pm.
On October 7, at 8pm, Italian folk musician and songwriter Eugenio Bennato and his quartet will perform ‘Music From the World’ at the Cultural Hall.
French bassist and composer Renaud Garcia-Fons and his quartet will serenade audience with their ‘La Luna De Seda’ (The Silk Moon) concert on October 8 at the Cultural Hall at 8pm.
On October 10, at 8pm at the Bahrain National Theatre, the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Mubarak Najem, will pay tribute to renowned Bahraini musician Ali Bahar, nicknamed ‘Bob Marley of the Gulf’.
This will be followed by Al Sawt Al Bahraini performing on October 11 at the Cultural Hall at 8pm.
The Dar Shabab Al Riffa Folk Band will also perform on October 11 at 8pm at their space in Riffa.
The Prague Cello Quartet will then take the stage on October 14 at 8pm at the Cultural Hall.
A special Japanese Shakuhachi performance will take place on October 15 at the Cultural Hall at 8pm.
The Shakuhachi is a Japanese end-blown bamboo flute known for its distinctive, mystical sound, and deep roots in Zen Buddhist meditation practices. It was adapted by wandering monks during the Edo period for spiritual practice before evolving into a versatile classical instrument.
The festival will conclude on October 16 with a choral night performed by Bahrain Music Band at the National Theatre at 8pm.
“The Bahrain Music Band joins a group of promising Bahraini voices in a choral performance that reimagines Bahraini and Gulf songs with renewed spirit, showcasing the richness of the region’s musical heritage and bridging generations through music and song,” organisers added.
“The concert is part of the band’s ongoing mission to enrich Bahrain’s musical scene.”
For more details on how to buy tickets, follow @culturebah on Instagram.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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