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The Bahrain National Theater stage hosted, on 1 October 2022, the inaugural music concert, opening the 31st Bahrain International Music Festival with an outstanding performance by Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem. The opening ceremony of the festival was attended by His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and a number of high-ranking diplomatic personalities figures, in addition to a large public presence, as tickets for the ceremony ran out a few days before the start of the event.

In his inaugural speech before the start of the ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has pointed out that stressed that music is the language of the world and the channel of discourse adopted by the Bahrain International Music Festival addresses. H.E Shaikh Khalifa also has noted that the 31st edition of the festival reflects the sustainability of the celebration of music in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

H.E said: “We would like, while on stage of this beautiful theater, which is about to celebrate its 10th Anniversary, to express our sincere thanks to the first supporter and patron of culture, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, May God protect him, who offered us the opportunity to enjoy this great cultural edifice. We also extend thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, for the unlimited support for culture and all lovers of arts. His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa, BACA’s President, also praised the efforts of Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, who kicked off the festival's launch ceremony with the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra.

On his part, Maestro Dr. Mubarak Nejem expressed his happiness that the orchestra performed the opening ceremony of the Bahrain International Music Festival, stressing that its founding project reflects the document of the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain”. Dr. Najem added that Bahrain by the Philharmonic Orchestra would undoubtedly enhance its global presence in this field, explaining that this project fulfills the dream of many artists, intellectuals and art lovers in the Kingdom. In addition, Dr. Najem extended his thanks and gratitude to all the parties that contributed to the establishment of the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, starting with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and other supporting government agencies.

Indeed, this first concert is the official launch of the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, currently featuring more than 100 musicians and choirs, starting, thus, a world trip to promote Bahrain as a colorful cultural historical destination. With a sensational cast and stunning live orchestra music, the audience did not disappoint to enjoy a diverse musical program, featuring greatest masterpieces by famous international classical music and the magic of Arab and Bahraini and Gulf melodies composed for the orchestra by Mubarak Najem. Maestro Mubarak Najem succeeded in his artistic molds that fuse world famous artists ‘voices such as Mohammad Abdul Wahab, Umm Kulthum, Mohammad Abdo, Muhammad Ali Abdullah and others. The music pieces included famous melodies and songs, such as “ Annou Al Bal”, Taw –al Nahar” Tara –Al leel”, “ Anta Omri” and “ Hobokom” , performed by singers Nada Hassan, Rashid Matar, Faisal Al-Ansari, Ahed Safwan and Esra Janahi.

The Rabat Troupe for Instrumental Music will dazzle its audience, on 2 October at 8:00pm, with a gorgeous concert held at the Cultural Hall, whereby concerts will continue until 7 October. With an evening of authentic Moroccan heritage music presented by The Rabat Troupe for Instrumental Music, the event is the fruit of cooperation between BACA and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco.

In addition, the Cultural Hall will host “A Tribute to the Late Mohammed Zowayed by the Bahrain Music Band Conducted by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman, on 4 October. The Japanese Traditional Drum Performance by the Taiko Ensemble “Wagaku*Miyabi” will certainly dazzle the audience on 6 October at the Cultural Hall. This event comes in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in celebration of Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On October 4, the Cultural Hall will host a concert dedicated to the late artist Mohamed Zuwaid, presented by the Bahrain Music Ensemble, led by Maestro Ziad Zeman. After that, the cultural hall will host a performance of traditional Japanese drums, the taiko band and Agaku Miyabi, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to celebrate the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries. The band will inspire the audience by integrating the loud sounds of taiko drums with other Japanese musical instruments.

The final concert by Palestinian singer “Noel Kharman”, will be on 7 October, who is giving her concert for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The artist will delight the audience with songs that mix Arabic and Western music. The 31st edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival will not miss to entertain lovers with a folk traditional music evening, to be held on October 5 by Ismaeel Dawas Band in Dar Al Muharraq, where the audience at this unique cultural site will be on a date with the famous tunes and folklore in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

As part of the festival 31st edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival, held from 1-7 October 2022, Café Lilo will present a special menu in all branches of the café, reflecting the cultural diversity and musical genres offered by the festival.

For more information about the 31st Bahrain International Music Festival, please visit the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities website www.culture.gov.bh or follow BACA’s accounts on social media platforms @CultureBah.