Italian orchestra to perform at Spring of Culture

Manama: As part of the 2016 Spring of Culture activities, the Italian Orchestra di Piazza Vittoria will perform George Bizet’s famous opera, Carmen at Arad Fort on March 17.

The new take on the opera will be a collaborative effort by 23 musicians, dancers and singers from ten different countries, presenting the story to audiences through a diverse cast of characters. The show, subtitled in English, will cover the love story of a beautiful woman named Carmen.

This is the second performance by the group in the Kingdom, who in 2010 performed their interpretation of the Magic Flute, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  

The Italian group, formed in Piazza Vittorio, the square in Rome most known for its various cultural and musical performances, which includes artistes from all over the world. Mario Tronco, a musician and filmmaker formed the group with musicians from countries including, India, Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Senegal, Tunis, and Italy, with the goal of rescuing the Apollo cinema, a classic structure which was going to be turned into a bingo hall.

The Spring of Culture 2016, recognised as one of the most significant cultural events in Bahrain, is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) in cooperation with the Economic Development Board (EDB), Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, Al Bareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art.

This festival, held from February to April, has gained popularity over the years for bringing together unique and talented international and local artistes.