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Fes – The 27th edition of the World Sacred Music Festival, themed “the quest for the Al-Andalus spirit,” opened in Fez today with a grand opening performance by Alain Weber, titled “Zyriab ou la cinquième corde” (Zyriab or the Fifth Chord).
The event, held at the historical Bab Al Makina square, sets the tone for a festival deeply rooted in the themes of cultural harmony and interfaith dialogue.
Alain Weber’s performance masterfully blended music and poetry to transport attendees to the world of “Harmonious Andalusia,” a historical golden age where the sacred texts of the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran coexisted with ancient Bedouin poetry.
The event’s diverse ensemble of participants, including artists from countries including Uzbekistan, Iran, Syria, India, Spain, Egypt, Italy, Armenia, France, and Morocco embodies the festival’s spirit of tolerance and openness. This year, the festival has selected Spain as a guest-of-honor, celebrating its historical significance in the rich Andalusian cultural tapestry.
The festival’s theme, “The Quest for the Spirit of Al-Andalus,” underscores the historical period of peaceful religious coexistence in Andalusia from the 8th to the 15th century, a “Golden Age” that continues to inspire modern Morocco.
Notable artists such as actor Rabie Katti, singer Sanaa Maharathi, and Sufi music expert Saïd Belcadi, along with the Ensemble Haidouss d’Oulmes, will perform at historical venues around Fez.
Read also: Fes Music Festival Reaches Uplifting Conclusion
The festival will include contributions from Lothar artist Omar Boutmazzoukht, oud musician Smadj, flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona, and the Ensemble Madalena, directed by Manu Theron.
Each unique performance will be accompanied with striking visual scenography, blending calligraphy and mosaic-inspired light projections onto Bab Al Makina’s ancient walls.
Throughout the festival, attendees can expect a diverse array of performances and cultural exchanges, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of our common humanity through sacred music.
Almost coming into its third decade, the World Sacred Music Festival in Fes remains a beacon of cultural celebration, bridging both past and present while honoring the timeless quest for unity and peace.
