An eclectic blend of talent, cultures and musical traditions will take centre stage today as one of Bahrain’s oldest choirs, Manama Singers, performs alongside the iconic Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra in a unique concert led by Maestro Waheed Al Khan.
The ensemble will present a diverse selection of songs under the baton of the renowned conductor from Muharraq. 
The ticketed event will take place at Bahrain National Theatre in Manama, bringing enthusiasts from across the island under one roof for a four-part harmony featuring songs in Arabic, English, Italian and Russian. 
“This is the first time I have included a harmony choir in one of my concerts,” Maestro Waheed told GulfWeekly.
“I have been planning this for some time and I’m delighted that we have now made it a reality,” he added. 
The vocalist and multi-instrumentalist expressed his happiness at rehearsing with both ensembles, noting that the sessions were enjoyable. 
Manama Singers is a multicultural choir formed more than 50 years ago, with over 40 active members who regularly meet to sing. The concert today will be one of their biggest events, alongside the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, which is Russia’s oldest symphony orchestra and a cornerstone of the global classical music tradition.
Joining them will be distinguished musicians from Egypt, all of whom will be led by Maestro Waheed.
“This makes the programme different from what I have presented in my previous concerts, with a wider range of colours and musical variety. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to (Manama Singers) choir co-conductors Jo and Stefan for their dedication and hard work. I look forward to a successful and memorable event,” added the graduate of the Cairo Conservatoire at Egypt’s Academy of Arts.
Revered for his performances across Europe and the Arab world, Maestro Waheed has also spent decades weaving the pearl-diving songs of the Gulf into the language of the classical orchestra.
Describing the experience of working with him, English expatriate and Manama Singers’ co-conductor Jo Diciolla from Saar said: “Practising alongside our maestro, especially when pulling all the parts together, has been special, as has watching all the singers work hard together with dedication.” 
Echoing her sentiments, South African expatriate and co-conductor Stefan Els from Al Sayh said that watching the singers embrace diverse musical styles and songs has been heartwarming.
“We are excited to be singing the Arabic songs, especially the well-known ones,” he added. 
Indian expatriate Manoj Philip from Zinj concurred. The logistician who has been living in Bahrain for more than three decades revealed how rehearsing for the concert introduced him to a ‘new musical world’. 
“It has been both exciting and challenging, opening up a world that demands a fresh approach to articulation, phrasing, dynamics and expression. These elements are quite different from the musical traditions and repertoire I have been familiar with for so many years,” he explained. 
For her part, New Zealander and Australian Pamela Monsef from Hamala noted how a shared love for music brought them all together. 
“I love the harmony, the different nationalities, and the passion we all share for music,” added the creative who has been in choirs all her life. 
Busaiteen resident Ovunda Chuku believes the recent rehearsals have boosted her confidence and is eager to continue learning and growing as a singer. “For me, music is not just a hobby but a source of happiness, cultural appreciation and connection with others,” added the Nigerian expatriate, who began her musical journey as a child singing in her church choir.
That sense of connection also resonates with Bahrain’s Husain Aseeri. Although he has been a member of the Manama Singers for only eight months, he has already come to value the strong sense of community within the choir.
Meanwhile, Swedish national Victoria Berglund, who has lived in Bahrain for six years, described her experience as ‘wonderful’. “It is wonderful to learn how to sing in Arabic and to collaborate with a Bahraini composer,” added the soprano from Al Qurrayya.