Manama:The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, in partnership with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bahrain, organized a concert titled "Oud Night" featuring Bahraini artist Mohammed Al Bakri and Chinese oud player Dr. Joo Zhao. This event was part of the 35th Bahrain International Music Festival and took place at the Cultural Hall.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the evening highlighted the strengthening cultural ties between Bahrain and China, focusing on cooperation in cultural and artistic fields to encourage creative exchanges. The concert celebrated the oud, a central instrument in Bahraini music heritage, while also incorporating Chinese musical elements, fostering a musical dialogue between the two cultures.
Mohammed Al Bakri, a notable figure in Bahrain’s music scene, has built a career over several decades, with the oud being central to his artistic identity. He has performed widely across Bahrain, the Gulf region, and various Arab and European countries, contributing significantly to the musical landscape.
Dr. Joo Zhao brought a blend of Chinese and Arab musical traditions to the performance. With a doctorate in ethnomusicology from the Central Conservatory of Music in China, she has focused her research and artistic endeavors on the intersections of Chinese and Arab music, exploring these through performances and collaborative projects.