Bahrain Ministry of Culture has announced an exciting line up of award-winning artists for the upcoming annual music festival in the Kingdom.

Filled with new and exciting performances, the Bahrain International Music Festival will run from October 15 to 20 at the Cultural Museum. Now in its 20th year, the festival is being held to commemorate International Music Day.

The show has not only become a leading platform of artistic expression for local and international talents, but also a primary conduit of cross-cultural dialogue innovation, said organisers.

Over the past 20 years, the Culture and National Heritage sector has worked tirelessly to promote and advance musical endeavors from both Bahrain and abroad, and this year’s festival is no different, they added.

The festival kicks off on October 15 with an unforgettable night as reputed Japanese Unesco Artist for Peace Missa Johnouchi performs live on stage with the Bahrain Music Band in a repeat performance that the Kingdom presented at the 35th Session of the World Heritage Committee at the Unesco headquarters in Paris this year.

This will be followed by award-winning Portuguese singer Cristina Branco on October 16 who will perform her special flavor of the classic Fado music which has made her one of the genre’s most acclaimed artists worldwide, said the organisers.

On October 17, acclaimed Dutch pianist and composer Mike del Ferro will perform with his trio 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 program of original compositions, and adaptions of mainly famous Brazilian standards, the organisers said.

Celebrated Kurdish “Buzuq” master Issa Hassan’s performance on October 18 will present his seamless blend of his native musical traditions and international influences.

The following night, the famous Berg Orchestra will take center stage to present a unique interpretation of beloved Beatles hits using orchestral in the Baroque form.

Lovers of fine artistry will be treated on the final day of the festival with an enchanting night of exquisite opera presented by the amazing vocalists of the Higher Institute of Music & Arts in Kuwait on October 20.

The show begins at 8pm at the Cultural Hall near Bahrain National Museum. Entry is free for all events with seating on a first-come first-served basis.-TradeArabia News Service