LEBANESE singer Jahida Wehbe staged a delightful dress rehearsal at the Bahrain National Theatre yesterday in the lead-up to her concert tonight, which kicks off the 30th Bahrain International Music Festival.
The rehearsal, which was supposed to be held on Thursday evening, was postponed ‘due to travel arrangements’, according to Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) media office.
Opening
Jahida Wehbe’s Divas, featuring musicians from Lebanon and Europe and conducted by Lucas Sakr, will be going ahead as planned as the opening act of the festival, from 8pm to 9.30pm at the theatre.
Her performance will pay tribute to some of the most iconic female voices in music around the world, featuring songs from Umm Kulthum, Asmahan, Dalida, Fairuz, Sabah, Edith Piaf and Mercedes Sousa.
She will also serenade green-shield holders with her own original tunes including two poems dedicated to Manama and Muharraq.
“We are delighted with the return of spectators to the theatre and to see life come back to our cultural events,” said a Baca spokesperson.
“We are proud of our Bahrain National Theatre and to have the festival kicked off with such an icon as Ms Wehbe. There is a breath of fresh air and the event is highly anticipated by so many music lovers who have been waiting for concerts and performances to return to the scene.
“In fact, Baca’s events have almost sold out. People have been waiting to spend their evenings like this and we are pleased to present these concerts to them.”
The next concert will be by French pianist Maxime Zecchini on October 3 and 4, at 8pm, in collaboration with the French Embassy. He will be taking audiophiles on a journey through musical eras and styles, from Mozart to contemporary tunes, at the Cultural Hall, near Bahrain National Museum.
The Bahrain International Music Festival is being held under the theme ‘Pearling Path’ to reflect its sustainability and the unifying significance of culture and music.
The musical bonanza will run until 16.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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