A testimony of respect

The 20th Bahrain International Music Festival opens this Saturday with a composition put together by celebrated Japanese pianist, composer, conductor and singer Missa Johnouchi, with a poignant message of peace and respect.

In a unique musical collaboration, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Artist of Peace, will lead an ensemble of 23 instrumentalists from the Bahrain Music Band. The musicians had earlier performed together at the 35th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee at its headquarters in Paris, France this summer.

The annual Bahrain International Music Festival, organised by the Ministry of Culture, features an exciting programme of performances by international artists, starting at 8pm every night until October 20 at the Culture Hall, next to the Bahrain National Museum. All events are free of charge with seating available on a first come-first served basis.

Missa Johnouchi creates Asian-style New Age music and is known to present and direct her own musical works, aiming to convey a ‘peace of the heart’ message and a ‘testimony of respect’.

Speaking exclusively to GulfWeekly, she said: “My work is dedicated to connecting Japan and Bahrain through music, which is like a bridge between the minds of the people of these two countries. My composition is an homage to the people of the Middle East.

“I have appeared with the Bahrain Music Band before and their performance was a marvellous interpretation of my music. I am looking forward to the festival and am honoured to be invited.”

Khalid Al Rowaie, manager of the Bahrain Music Band said the group enjoyed collaborating with international musicians from different cultures.

The Ministry of Culture believes that the festival is a leading platform of artistic expression for local and international talent and a good incentive for cross-cultural dialogue.

On the second evening, award-winning Portuguese singer Cristina Branco will entertain the audience with an evening of classic Fado music which has made her one of the genre’s most acclaimed artists. Fado is a music style that can be traced back to the 1820s.

On Monday, acclaimed Dutch pianist and composer Mike del Ferro will perform with his group a medley of jazz compositions inspired by a wide array of influences, ranging from Asia, Africa and South America. The trio will be presenting a programme of original compositions and Brazilian adaptations.

Celebrated Kurdish ‘Buzuq’ master Issa Hassan’s performance on Tuesday will include a blend of native musical traditions and international influences.

The following night, the Czech Berg Orchestra will take centre stage to present an interpretation of hits by British pop icons The Beatles in a Baroque form.

Music lovers will be treated with an enchanting night of exquisite opera presented by the vocalists of the Higher Institute of Music & Arts in Kuwait on the final day of the festival.

For more details, visit www.moc.gov.bh

Saturday, October 15

Piano Recital/Orchestra by Missa Johnouchi and Bahrain Music Band

Country: Japan/ Bahrain

Sunday, October 16

Fado with Cristina Branco

Country: Portugal

Monday, October 17

Piano Recital with Mike del Ferro Trio

Country: Netherlands

Tuesday, October 18

Buzuq Night with Issa Hassan

Country: Lebanon

Wednesday, October 19

Beatles go Barooque by Berg Orchestra

Country: Czech Republic

Thursday, October 20

Opera Evening with the Higher Institute of Music & Arts Band in Kuwait

Country: Kuwait