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03 October 2016 Concerts by Arabic music legend Lutfi Bushnaq and crossover superstar Anoushka Shankar to take place at the Bahrain National Theatre
Concerts by Arabic music legend Lutfi Bushnaq and crossover superstar Anoushka Shankar to take place at the Bahrain National Theatre

Two distinct musical traditions of the East will be on display at the Bahrain National Theatre with artists Lutfi Bushnaq (October 13) and Anoushka Shankar (October 16) as part of the 2016 Bahrain International Music Festival which will take place from October 13 – 22, 2016.

The Tunisian-born Bushnaq, a renowned composer, oud player, and singer, will perform in his concert entitled “Liqa’a” a selection of his vast repertoire which includes Egyptian popular music, Algerian-inflected “Raï” music, and traditional spiritual music. In particular, he is famous for his seminal crossover album “Ma’luf Tunisi” which exposed international music audiences for the first time to the authentic ma’luf music, a genre which developed in the Andalusia region during Islamic rule.

In her concert, Grammy-winning sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar will tantalize with music from her latest studio album Land of Gold. Released in 2016, the album’s underlying messages were inspired by the current plight of refugees fleeing conflict in search for a place of inner peace, truth and acceptance. The universal human theme of the album is echoed by Shankar’s signature blend of traditional Indian music and other genres.

Tickets for the concerts can be purchased through Virgin Megastore’s online ticket portal or at its store in Bahrain City Centre.

The Silver Jubilee of the annual festival features acclaimed musical innovators and music-related events which are designed to facilitate intercultural dialogue and affirm Bahrain’s position as a destination for culture. Organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), this year’s festival supports the year-long “Bahrain Your Destination” program.

Full details on all the festival’s shows, events, and activities are available on (www.culture.gov.bh) and on (@culturebah) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.