ALGIERS- The 11th International Festival of Andalusian Music and Ancient Music (FestivAlgerie), dedicated to the memory of late Malouf master Mohamed Tahar Fergani, opened Tuesday evening at “Boualem-Bessaïh” Opera of Algiers by Culture Minister Azzedine Mihoubi.
In opening, Singer of Hawzi (Andalusiangenre) Meriem Benallal charmed the numerous public with songs drawn from the Andalusian musical repertory.
Accompanied by an orchestra composed of eight musicians, the singer with the sublime voice, performed “Rmel El Maya” and “Moulat esself ettouil,” in tribute to Sheikh Boukli Hacene Salah, one of the great composers and professors of Andalusian music.
In part two, the Turkish composer and musician Goksel Baktagir thrilled Algiers Opera audience, showing a great mastery of the Qanun (zither), a traditional musical instrument which frequently used in Turkish music.
In part three of the evening, singer Amel Brahim Djelloul drew from the universal and Algerian musical repertoire like “Ay al xir inu” (To my great happiness), by singer and composer Idir.
In his opening speech, the Culture Minister reiterated support to this organized festival, in spite of “financial difficulties,” he said.
In addition to Algeria, represented by three musical ensembles and musicians, ten countries, including Tunisia, Morocco and France, are participating in the 11th FestivAlgerie which lasts until 25 December at “Boualem -Bessaïh” Opera of Algiers.
Source: 11th Festival of Andalusian Music, Ancient Music opens in Algiers
