Manama, The 33rd Bahrain International Music Festival kicked off last night at the Bahrain National Theatre with a performance by Egyptian Opera Singer Fatma Said, accompanied by the Cairo Opera Orchestra, led by Maestro Nader Abbassi. Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), were present. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed highlighted the festival's role in promoting Bahrain's cultural status through diverse musical performances from local, regional, and international artists. He emphasised the importance of fostering cultural connections and enhancing Bahrain's reputation as a centre for musical innovation and creativity. The festival will feature performances across various venues in Bahrain until October 24. The festival returns with two concerts at the Bahrain National Theatre which include the Bahrain Philharmoni c Orchestra's Songs of the Gulf, led by Maestro Mubarak Najem and Ya Najmat Suhail by Mohamed Abdulrahim with the Bahrain Music Band, led by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman. The Cultural Hall will host performances in collaboration with the embassies of France, Italy, China, Korea, and Germany, including Luca Filotti and Silvia Manco on October 2, Germany's Soul Trio on October 3, and a special performance by Noor Al Qassim with the Philharmonica del Mediterraneo on October 6. Other international performances include Korean folk music on October 8 and Melodies from the Silk Road from China on October 11. The festival will close with a performance by Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois (The Little Singers of the Wooden Cross) on October 24, in partnership with the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. Traditional music will also be featured, with performances by the Qalali Folk Arts Band at Dar Al Muharraq on October 5 and the Dar Bin Harban Band at Dar Bin Harban on October 7. For more details, inc luding event schedules and ticket information, visit the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities' website at www.culture.gov.bh or follow @CultureBah on social media. Source: Bahrain News Agency