As part of the “music month” – the 9th month of the year-long “Manama Capital of Arab Culture 2012” programme, the 21st Bahrain International Music Festival is set to kick off on Sunday, at the Cultural Hall. The daily concerts will start at 8 pm and concludes on Friday, October 5th.
The popular festival features acclaimed artists and musical ambassadors of a wide range of cultures, including Egypt, Jordan, Armenia, Sudan, Tunisia, and Spain. This year, the event falls in line with the mission of the Ministry of Culture’s Capital of Arab Culture program, which aims to provide multi-disciplinary learning opportunities and cultural exchanges between different nations.
“We are celebrating over two decades of beautiful voices and music from across the globe. The festival presents a rare and exceptional opportunity for audiences to experience an entirely new world of experiences,” Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, said.
The 21st Bahrain International Music Festival will be inaugurated by Egyptian opera singer Nouresta Elmerghany, accompanied by Georgian pianist Maya Gvineria, as she presents a selection of famous operas through the ages. She will be followed on the second night by Armenia’s “Queen of Qanun” Hasmik Leyloyan who will enchant with her delicate blend of folk and classical compositions.
On the third night, Billboard chart-topping Jordanian pianist ZADE takes the stage to bring his signature style in which he combines Arabic music with Latin, Classical, and Pop flavors. Audiences will next relish the performance by visionary Sudanese oud player Mohammed Al-Amin as he weaves together his nuanced musical sensibility and honest voice.
From Tunisia, pioneering violinist Amina Srarfi and her all-female group “El Azifet” will follow with a performance which seamlessly balances traditional Eastern influences with contemporary influences that embody the modern spirit. On the sixth and final concert, lovers of classical western music will be enthralled as Madrid-based ensembles Orquesta de Camara Reina Sofia bring to life a selection of the most timeless masterpieces by some of the greatest composers of all-time.
Music lovers can find out more information about the 21st Bahrain International Music Festival lineup or artists and performances on manamaculture2012.bh, or by following the Ministry of Culture on Twitter @MOC_BH.