Lifestyle

Jazzing It Up!

by: BTM - Wed, 10 Dec 2025

The BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest returns on December 5 at the Royal Golf Club, bringing one of the Kingdom’s most anticipated cultural gatherings back to its open-air stage.

Now in its ninth edition, Bahrain Jazz Fest continues to evolve as a regional meeting point for global talent, local musicians and the many jazz enthusiasts who return each year for an afternoon shaped by rhythm and community.

With its 2025 theme, Building Bridges, the festival reinforces its mission to celebrate cultural exchange through music. Guests can expect a relaxed, sun-lit atmosphere as performances unfold across the club’s landscaped grounds, supported by food stalls, activity areas for younger audiences and a crowd that reflects the festival’s wide appeal. Official timings run from 12pm-11pm, creating a vibrant and approachable programme suitable for all ages.

This year’s line-up features international acts chosen for their artistry and improvisational strength. Among them is Swiss pianist and composer Manon Mullener, a rising voice in contemporary jazz whose work blends European modernism with Afro-Cuban rhythmic drive. Born in Fribourg and raised in a family of musicians, her path spans classical training, time in Havana and extensive performances across Europe and Latin America. Her quintet, founded in 2022, has travelled widely and earned recognition for its expressive interplay and narrative approach to composition. Manon now brings this sound to Bahrain’s main stage for the first time.

Swiss pianist Manon Mullener performing live in Bahrain

Ahead of her Bahrain debut, she spoke exclusively to Bahrain This Month. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be performing in Bahrain for the very first time,” she remarks. “After a year of touring across Europe, it is incredibly inspiring to bring our music to a new cultural landscape, and we are looking forward to discovering the Kingdom, meeting its people and connecting with a completely new audience. It feels like the beginning of a beautiful connection.”

Beyond her performance, Manon also took part in a student outreach programme that reflects the festival’s commitment to youth engagement. Taking place at St Christopher’s School Bahrain, the session gave students the chance to explore improvisation, global influences and the craft of a contemporary touring musician.

Looking to the future, she remains open to creative ties within the region. “We’re always eager to collaborate with new artists,” she notes, discussing what may follow after her debut. “Meeting musicians from different backgrounds is one of the most enriching parts of our work, and we would love to explore creative collaborations with artists from the region in the future.”

Tickets are avalable starting from BD18.5 and entry open to all ages.