11 December 2022
In celebration of 10th Anniversary of Bahrain National Theatre and coinciding with the Kingdom’s national holidays, the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra delivered a memorable concert-performance of the highest caliber, conquering hearts and minds with Bahraini and international music
In guiding the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra and choir Bahraini through international music compositions, Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, demonstrated his own versatility and flair on stage of the National Theater, on 11 December 2022. His secure guidance and generous artistic license provided for orchestra and choir, thus enabling them to give unrestrained and powerful renditions with the participation of a group of international and Bahraini musicians. This evening of music celebrated the 10th Anniversary National Theater and r and coincided with national Bahrain’s holidays.
Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, said: “These are very happy and memorable moments so dear to the hearts of all the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Here we are to celebrate our National Day festive events, kicking off on Bahrain National Theater stage, which was built thanks to the generous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa. Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, May Allah protect and preserve him, the first sponsor of culture in Bahrain. H.E added, “This evening would not have been possible without the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, the tenacity and talent of artistic director and conductor of Maestro Mubarak Najem. They dazzled us and gave an example how Bahrain can invest in creative music talents, reaching new heights on a global level, reflecting, thus a bright and most beautiful civilized image of the Kingdom”. H.E rejoined to highlight the importance of the music orchestra’s concert at the Bahrain National Theater, which gives Bahraini musicians the opportunity to reach a wider audience, diving into new horizons of shining creativity and sublime performance.
On the other hand, Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem expressed his happiness for presenting the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra's concert on the stage of the Bahrain National Theater, during these festive times of the national holidays, thanking the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and sending his best wishes and congratulating to all Bahrainis.
The Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra performed a selection of the most refined international orchestral music compositions, such as music of "Scheherazade" by Rimsky Karsakov, the ballet music "Swan Lake", one of Tchaikovsky's most beloved ballets, the music of "Carmen" by Bizet, and other pieces. In addition, performers seamlessly blended the music with Bahraini and Khaleeji musical traditions and tunes, reconstructed classically by Maestro Najem to take the audience back in time with each melody.
In addition, the concert included solo performances by the international-renowned Panflutist Liselotte Pokyta from the Czech Republic, with a music composition called “The Lonely Shepherd”, while the British musician John Millgate played a solo on the trombone instrument entitled “Speak Softly, My Love”. The talented and the promising Bahraini violinist Aseel Al-Jabal presented a sweet music piece entitled “Nigone”. Moreover, the orchestra, along with the Bahraini qanoon player Mohammed Asseri, and the well-known flute player Ayman Barjas, performed music compositions, namely “Mashgoob”( disturbed) ) , Helwa Oman”( Oman is nice), and Waqf al Babkom” (Standing at your door).
Worth to mention that that the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra was established in March 2022 by Bahraini musician Dr. Mubarak Najem, Chief of the Police Music Band and founder of the Bahrain Institute of Music. The orchestra currently includes more than 100 musicians and choirs.
Indeed, this major art and project is supported by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, within the framework of the follow-up of the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, May Allah Protect Him. The official strenuous efforts to promote continuously arts and convey a strong message that nations and civilizations can only progress and prosper by developing their own heritage, redefine their intellectual and mental status of conscience, and elevate public taste. It is also within His Highness's keenness and vision to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain as a magnificent civilized attracting platform where all forms of cultural creativity can prosper and shine.
