More than 20 top-notch musical acts are set to enthrall audiences as part of the 35th Bahrain International Music Festival, kicking off today.
The two-month-long festival running throughout October and November is bringing together musicians and bands from the GCC, Europe and Asia.
“This year’s festival presents a diverse line-up of concerts bringing together contemporary and traditional music, alongside distinctive performing arts shows,” the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), which is organising the festival, said in a statement.
“Events will take place across a number of cultural venues, including the Bahrain National Theatre, Terminal 4 by Beyon, the Cultural Hall, several traditional music houses and The Desert Garden, reflecting the diversity of venues and their role in enriching the kingdom’s music and cultural scene.”
Mr Alshaikh
The programme was scheduled to start last night with a Bahraini evening featuring singer Khalid Alshaikh performing ‘Tithakernai’ at the Bahrain National Theatre, with the Bahrain Music Band led by Maestro Dr Zeyad Zaiman.
The sold-out concert will feature melodies by Fathiya Ajlan, Ali Alshargawi, Abdullah Alruwaishid and Mr Alshaikh.
“Tithakernai evokes an imagined state of love, woven from longing and nostalgia –places, moments, and portraits of loved ones, written into the present only to return in a new light,” Baca added.
A number of embassies are coming together to highlight their culture as part of the festival during performances taking place at the Cultural Hall.
Italy’s Patrizio Destriere Quartet will present ‘The Jazz Side of Ennio Morricone’ on Sunday.
The Hwa Laeng Yi Show
On Wednesday, the Hwa Laeng Yi Show from the Republic of Korea will take centre stage, highlighting the Korean troupe DAEHANSARAM mixing royal court dance with hip-hop, live music and electronic sound, alongside Bahraini Shuwaikh and Liwa rhythms.
German band 4Tunes will play on October 11, and Bahraini musician Mohammed Al Bakri will join Chinese oud performer Dr Joo Zhao for Oud Night on October 15.
State of Harmony
Egypt’s State of Harmony, an evening devoted to the cello, will take the stage on October 21.
India’s Qawwali Troupe, led by Yousuf Khan Nizami, will perform on October 25.
The Ensemble Agamemnon
On October 14, France’s Ensemble Agamemnon presents Perfumes at the Flexible Theatre of the Bahrain National Theatre. The concert pairs French and Italian baroque music with fragrances inspired by the Orient.
Traditional Bahraini folk groups will perform throughout the festival, at Dar Al Muharraq and Dar Al Riffa.
Qalali Folk Band, winner of the Aga Khan Music Award in 2025, will perform at Dar Al Muharraq between October 3 and November 28.
The Dar Bin Harban Band
Also performing at Dar Al Muharraq will be Shabab Al Hidd Band on October 17, Dar Bin Harban Band on October 31 and Ismael Dawas Band on November 14.
The Dar Shabab Al Riffa Band
At Dar Al Riffa, the schedule includes Dar Al Riffa Al Sagheera on October 10, Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda on October 24, Dar Shabab Al Riffa Band on November 7 and Dar Al Budaiya Al Janabiya on November 21.
The Art Centre will also host Ribbons of Joy, an exhibition by Kuwaiti artist and writer Thuraya Al Baqsami, from November 1 to 29. It is open daily from 9am to 8pm, showcasing her works featuring dreamlike figures and winged fish.
In November, the National Theatre will host two major concerts.
Maestro Waheed Alkhan will present Voices on November 5 with the Russian St Petersburg Orchestra and Manama Singers. Musicians from Bahrain, Russia and Egypt will perform selections from his album ‘Spring of Colours’.
On November 27, Ahmed Al Jumairi will be honoured in a tribute concert, again with the Bahrain Music Band under Dr Zaiman.
For all performances, doors open at 7pm and shows begin at 8pm. For more details, follow @culturebah on Instagram.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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