Bahrain International Music Festival Returns for Its 34th Edition

The Bahrain International Music Festival is set to return for its 34th edition, offering audiences a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary arts. Organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the festival begins on October 2 and runs for two weeks, featuring diverse musical genres ranging from orchestral and opera performances to jazz, vocal arts, and folk music. Events will take place across Bahrain’s prominent cultural venues, including the Bahrain National Theatre, the Cultural Hall, and folk music centers in Muharraq and Riffa.

The festival opens at the Bahrain National Theatre with a special evening by the Egyptian Opera House, celebrating the legacy of the legendary Arab singer Umm Kulthum. Conducted by Maestro Ehab Abdel Hamid and featuring stars Nihad Fathy and Ghada Adam, the performance revives the timeless classical Arabic music associated with the “Star of the East.”

On October 3, the spotlight moves to the Cultural Hall, hosting Bahraini artist Abdullah Haji with his band “Rouh” in a jazz evening titled “Jazz of Muharraq”. The performance will showcase original compositions inspired by his album “Murabba’at” alongside local folk rhythms.

Bahrain’s musical heritage will also take center stage. Qalali Folk Arts Troupe will perform on October 4 at Dar Al Muharraq, celebrating the Fijri tradition, listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dar Bin Harban Troupe follows on October 6 with performances including Al-Ardha, Labouni, and Al-Khamari, while Dar Shabab Al Riffa presents traditional arts such as Al-Murba’a, Al-Majlisi, and Al-Durza on October 11, highlighting the richness and diversity of Bahraini folk arts.

The festival also explores global musical collaborations. Italian musician Eugenio Bennato, in partnership with the Italian Embassy, presents his project “Music from the World” on October 7 at the Cultural Hall, blending Italian roots with international rhythms. On October 8, in collaboration with the French Embassy, the Reno Garcia-Fonz Ensemble performs “Silk Moon”, drawing inspiration from flamenco and Ottoman music.

From Europe, the Prague Cello Quartet will present an innovative fusion of classical, pop, and rock on October 14. On October 15, Japanese musician Yusuke Iri will offer a meditative evening with the traditional Shakuhachi flute, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy.

A special tribute is planned for Bahraini music legend Ali Bahr on October 10, with the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra under Dr. Mubarak Najm performing orchestral arrangements of his songs at the Bahrain National Theatre. On October 11, the Cultural Hall will host an evening of Bahraini vocal arts, highlighting a traditional Gulf singing style that combines Nabati poetry with sea rhythms and local instruments.

The festival concludes on October 16 with a choral night at the Bahrain National Theatre, featuring promising Bahraini voices and celebrating musical continuity across generations.