Date: 20 – 21 September, 2024
Venue: Alhambra, Geneva
The Institut des Cultures Arabes et Méditerranéennes (ICAM) is set to host the 9th edition of the Festival of Arab and Mediterranean Music, aptly named “Un pont sur la mer bleue” (A Bridge Over the Blue Sea), from September 20th to 21st, 2024. This vibrant event will take place at the illustrious Alhambra in Geneva, located at Rue de la Rôtisserie 10, 1204 Genève. The festival promises to be a mesmerizing confluence of cultures, rhythms, and melodies from across the Mediterranean basin.
Friday, September 20th
Opening Night: “Un pont sur la mer bleue”
The festival kicks off on Friday evening with doors opening at 7:00 PM, where attendees can enjoy a bar and light refreshments. The main event begins at 8:00 PM, featuring an exceptional ensemble of musicians from Lebanon, Greece, and Morocco, led by the renowned Arab and Aramaic music virtuoso, Ghada Shbeir.
The performance, “Un pont sur la mer bleue,” symbolizes the rich tapestry of the Mediterranean, a region celebrated for its history, beauty, and cultural diversity. Following the success of last year’s production, “À l’ombre de l’olivier,” this year’s event brings together a stellar lineup of artists:
- Ghada Shbeir (Lebanon) – Vocals
- Drosos Koutsokostas (Greece) – Vocals
- Hamid Ajbar (Morocco) – Vocals
- Alkis Zopoglou (Greece) – Qanun
- Marina Liontou Mochament (Greece) – Oud
- Bashar Sharifah (Syria) – Cello
- Abderrahim Semlali (Morocco) – Violin
- Michalis Koloumis (Cyprus) – Violin
- Emad Ghajjou (Morocco) – Percussions
These artists will traverse the metaphorical bridges that connect their countries, delivering an enchanting mix of rhythms, melodies, and magical voices that embody the warmth and passion of the Mediterranean. Tickets for this night are priced at 40 CHF, with a reduced rate of 35 CHF for students and AVS cardholders.
Saturday, September 21st
A Night of Palestinian Soul and Egyptian Mysticism
The second evening of the festival begins at 6:30 PM, with doors opening for a bar and light refreshments. The musical journey starts at 7:30 PM with a performance by Miral Ayyad & Friends from Palestine.
Miral Ayyad is a talented Palestinian singer born in Jerusalem in 2002. A graduate of Birzeit University with a specialization in Arabic music performance, Miral has passionately participated in various music festivals across Palestine and globally. Her notable participation in The Voice Kids in 2016, where she won the Best Talent award in Palestine, marked her as a significant rising star. Miral’s music reflects the humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinians, drawing deeply from the daily struggles and suffering of her people. She will be accompanied by:
- Mohammad Ghosheh – Violin
- Eleni Moustaklem – Double Bass
- Khalil Khoury – Qanun
- Jiries Boulata – Piano
- Elias Arbid – Riq & Darbouka
Following Miral’s performance, at 9:15 PM, the stage will welcome Abdullah Miniawy & Special Guests. Abdullah Miniawy, an Egyptian poet and singer, will be joined by trombonists Robinson Khoury and Jules Boittin, along with a special guest on trumpet. The trio, winners of the 2023 Jazz Victories in the World Music Album category, create a powerful and metaphorical universe that transcends identities and borders. Abdullah Miniawy’s virtuosic Sufi singing, supported by the continuous breath of the trombones, leads the audience into a mystical trance, blending spirituality and freedom in a profound expression of hope against political, social, and religious oppression. This performance promises to be both beautiful and moving.
Tickets for Saturday’s performances are priced at 45 CHF, with a reduced rate of 40 CHF for students and AVS cardholders.
Join the Celebration
The Fête de l’Olivier 2024 promises an unforgettable celebration of the rich and diverse musical traditions of the Mediterranean. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of Arab and Mediterranean music in the heart of Geneva. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a musical journey that builds bridges across cultures and borders.
Visit this website to learn more about this awaited event.
Ticket Information
Purchase Tickets here