Manama:The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival commenced with a concert titled 'Tithakernai' by singer and composer Khalid Alshaikh, held at the Bahrain National Theatre. The event was organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Alshaikh was accompanied by the Bahrain Music Band under the direction of Maestro Dr. Zeyad Zaiman. The concert showcased a selection of Alshaikh's career-defining works and songs that highlight his collaborations and contributions to Gulf music. The performance included pieces by poets Fathiya Ajlan and Ali Alshargawi, as well as songs performed by the renowned Kuwaiti artist Abdullah Alruwaishid, celebrating works that have significantly influenced Gulf music history.
The concert offered a variety of musical arrangements by Maestro Dr. Zeyad Zaiman, aiming to maintain the original works' unique character while incorporating the rich heritage of Gulf music.
The festival will continue throughout October and November, featuring a wide array of musical and vocal performances by local and international artists and ensembles. It will also include performances by Bahraini folk groups, reflecting the diversity of Bahrain's music scene and its broader cultural influence, while emphasizing music as a form of cultural expression and a means of connecting people across borders.