The Spring of Culture Festival returns to us in its 18th edition, bringing with it the essence of a season filled with art, music and cultural events. This year, the festival will take place from January to March at several locations across Bahrain.
There’s a lot to look forward to this year, as the festival kicks off with an exceptional concert at the beautiful Bahrain National Theatre. Artist Ahmed Al Jumairi will showcase Fan Al Sawt with the Bahrain Music Band led by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman. The stage will witness enchanting performances, with Maestro Waheed Al Khan breathing life into music through the “Back to Life” concert, unveiling some of his works showcased for the first time in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, the renowned Oud player Abadi Al-Johar celebrates the instrument that made him famous across the Arab world and the globe, touching listeners’ hearts. Artists Khalid Al Shaikh and Huda Abdulla revive the spirit of longing in our souls with the “Ghanawi Al-Shouq” evening, a journey transcending time and memory.
At the Bahrain National Theatre
Al Dana Amphitheatre will also host a series of not to be missed performances at the Bahrain National Theatre. You’re in for a treat, on January 25 and January 26, with a stage narration of the story of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum in a one of its kind English language, west-end theatrical production. A Thousand Tales Ballet, which will also take place at the Bahrain National Theatre, immerses us in a performance depicting countless tales, recalling beloved characters from Aladdin to Cinderella.
At Al Dana Amphitheatre, Sakhir
Meanwhile, Al Dana Amphitheatre hosts a diverse lineup of international shows, including concerts by Maroon 5 and the renowned violinist Maestro André Rieu performing with the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Notably, Andre Rieu performed in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2023 and was received by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Safriya Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HM King Hamad bestowed on Rieu the Order of Bahrain- First Class, wishing him and his orchestra further success.
Additionally, the stage of Al Dana will showcase comedy icons Trevor Noah and Kevin Hart.
At the Cultural Hall
The Spring of Culture showcases a curated selection of diverse musical performances. The Cultural Hall stage welcomes the “Rouh Al Sharq Choir” from Egypt, offering a blend of classical and contemporary songs.
Hailing from Poland, the Cultural Hall hosts the award-winning accordion duo “Face2Face,” honoured with over 60 international awards. In collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities pays tribute to the rich legacy of the 20th-century opera maestro, Giacomo Puccini. Additionally, partnering with the Embassy of France, the Hall features artist Skygge, who presents a performance that blends music with artificial intelligence techniques.
The event also includes the participation of Bahraini artist Hasan Hujairi. While in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop, Frankie Perez will perform at the Cultural Hall in an event that comes in collaboration with the United States Embassy.
The Cultural Hall also hosts performances that blend music with other arts. The Black Blues Brothers present an exhilarating show combining acrobatics with music. Additionally, the Hall revives Shakespeare’s timeless “Romeo & Juliet” in a contemporary setting that merges the spirit of the past with the present.
The Arts
On the artistic front, the 50th edition of the annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition is being held this year, celebrating its golden jubilee and honouring the achievements of both past and present Bahraini artists.
Meanwhile, the Art Centre, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, hosts an exhibition titled “I Love Sushi”, which utilises sushi as one of the most famous symbols of Japanese cuisine and as an integral part of the Washoku culture listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Albareh Art Gallery hosts an exhibition titled “Four Stories” featuring artists Dwa Al Khalifa, Hala Al Khalifa, Lulwa Al Khalifa and Marwa Al Khalifa. They take the audience on a journey, sharing their unique narratives and artistic expressions. Meanwhile, Artist Noof Al Refaei, in her exhibition “Disappeared, Then Appeared”, narrates a story of a rolling ball reflecting life’s cycle, inviting contemplation.
Al Riwaq Art Space, now located in Gufool, organises an exhibition featuring artists Ghada Khunji and Eskandar Dawani, where the artists introduce us to their unique artistic realms, allowing insight into their creative practices. The space also hosts an art exhibition showcasing projects from the “002 Residency” programme, fostering an environment rich in discussion and constructive criticism.
Art Concept presents a multidisciplinary art exhibition where artist Hakim Al Akel transforms the movements of dancers and melodies of music into a visual spectacle enriching the viewer’s experience.
La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art organizes an event featuring German photographer Rainer Hartel and British author Tim Mackintosh-Smith. This marks the first meeting for the two orientalists, despite both living in Yemen during the same period. They share their experiences and memories, coinciding with an exhibition of the German photographer and a book signing for the British author’s “The Arabs: 3000 Years of Peoples, Tribes, and Empires.”
Showing Support for Palestine
An exhibition titled “Black, White, Green, Red,” uses watermelons to symbolise support for Palestine. The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research will also stage the play “Ghazal Akka” by Raeda Taha, depicting chapters from the life of the late Palestinian novelist and journalist Ghassan Kanafani. Palestinian-Jordanian singer Leen Al Faqih, celebrated for songs that embody the spirit and identity of the homeland, also graces the stage of the Cultural Hall.
Workshops and More
There’s plenty m,ore to look forward to, including events at Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research and the Pearlign Path – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A walkathon, poetry nights and a series of creative workshops covering areas such as handicrafts, arts, design, and more are sure to be enjoyed too.
Since its inception in 2006, the Spring of Culture has been a beacon for all culture and art enthusiasts in the Kingdom. Exciting events highlight Bahrain’s cultural institutions and historical sites, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage for current and future generations.
For more information, or to register for any of the various events and workshops, visiting www.springofculture.org. You may also keep up with updates by following @springofculture on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat.
