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Celebrating the opening of the 30^th edition of Bahrain International Music Festival, the Bahrain National Theatre, will kick host the inaugural concert performance showcase, titled “Divas by Jaheda Wehbe from Piaf to Umm Kulthum” that pays tribute to the golden era of female voices who enchanted us with their songs about love, land, and mankind. Tickets are sold at Virgin Megastore, at Bahrain City Center or via Virgin’s Middle East website at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/bh

Led by singer Jahida Wehbe, this concert puts on a modern, innovative twist to the timeless unforgettable classics by leading divas from the Arab and Western worlds, taking audience on a remarkable journey full of heartfelt emotion complemented by breathtaking scenography. Accompanied by talented musicians from Lebanon and Europe led by Lucas Sakr, this artistic extravaganza features songs from Om Kolthoum, Asmahan, and Dalida to Fairuz, Sabah, Edith Piaf, and Mercedes Sousa, as well as songs by Wehbe herself, including two poems dedicated to Manama and Muharraq.

Organized by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the 30th edition of Bahrain International Music Festival will be held between 2-16 October 2021, featuring an array of amazing concerts and diversified events that champion music as a world langua franca. Coinciding with the launch of the 30th Bahrain International Music Festival, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities published the second edition of Poul Rovsing Olsen’s book “Music in Bahrain: Traditional Music in the Arabian Gulf” with the permission of the Danish Institute of Folklore and the property of the late Poul Rovsing Olsen, as the book is an important documentation of music in Bahrain. In addition, the Cultural hall will host an amazing music concert by pianist Maxime Zecchini's, offering a journey through different musical styles and eras. The concert, titled “A Musical Journey from Mozart to Today” is held in collaboration with the Embassy of France in the Kingdom of Bahrain. At the same venue also,  and in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hawas Trio will present a dazzling concert featuring eastern and international music and original compositions infused with classical eastern and contemporary music, as well as distinct Omani sounds. Pianist, singer and flamenco composer Laura de los Ángeles will perform also at the Cultural hall an assortment of pieces dedicated to the beauty of the sea and those who dream of a better world, as well as” A Tribute to the Late Salman Zaiman” concert  by the Bahrain Music Band organized by Bahrain Culture Authority. 

In addition, the festival showcases various musical and lyrical performances ranging from folk arts, oriental singing, Latin rhythms and jazz alongside a number of interactive music workshops. This harmonious combination, delivered by our lineup of artists throughout the festival days, will be held from the Bahrain National Theatre, the Cultural Hal, Dar Al Muharraq, Dar Bin Harban and Dar Al Riffa.

Along with this amazing lineup, the Music Festival also features a series of educational entertaining different workshops by acclaimed artists on music composition, rythms and songs, the system of melodic modes prevalent in classical Arab music, the Maqam.  Participation in these workshops is open only for registered candidates who can pre-register via BACA’s official website.

For the safety of the public in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the 30th edition of Bahrain’s International Music Festival takes into account the precautionary measures to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) coronavirus, whereby attendees are required to present their vaccination card indicating that they were fully or partially vaccinated. Proof of both must be provided by presenting the green shield via the “BeAware” application when attending indoor events and workshops. However, vaccinated and non-vaccinated lovers of music will be able to attend outdoor events, taking into consideration the capacity limit of each location determined by BACA. Wearing facemasks at all times, sanitize often and keeping social distancing are also among the BACA’s recommendations.  

For more information about BACA’s latest events, please visit us on our website www.culture.gov.bh or follow  us on social media networks via @culturebah