“In a world marked by tensions and crises, this edition is intended to be an invitation to embrace the path of art, tolerance and fraternity,” she underlined, specifying that this year’s programming , imbued with this spirit, will offer the public three days of a musical journey where identities intersect, discover and transcend, thus celebrating the very essence of cultural diversity.
On the main stage set up in the Essaouira sports hall, the Rawafid Orchestra of Tangier, a true jewel of the Moroccan Andalusian musical scene, opened the ball, under the direction of Maestro Omar Metioui, with a striking interpretation of the “Touichia Btayhi Al istihlal”, an introductory piece imbued with richness and depth which captivated the audience from the first notes, thus establishing an intimate link between the artists and the music lovers present.
Continuing this captivating musical journey, the orchestra then continued with several pieces which wonderfully illustrate the complexity and beauty of Andalusian compositions, immersing the audience in a sound universe rich in emotions and subtleties. Each piece, performed with undeniable virtuosity, highlighted the subtleties of the different “noubas”, highlighting refined arrangements and dazzling improvisations which aroused passionate reactions from the audience.
For the occasion, artists such as Salah Eddine Mesbah, Omar Jaydi and Marc Marciano were invited to join the stage, offering a sophisticated musical work, in a daring collaboration between generations having highlighted the splendor of the national “Matrouz”, this Moroccan musical tradition harmoniously mixing Arabic and Hebrew poetry.
The evening continued with a captivating second part, during which Leonor Leal, an artist with irresistible charisma, ignited the stage with a revisited interpretation of flamenco in the style of Essaouira. With contagious energy, the Spanish artist, supported by talented musicians, fused classical and contemporary elements to deliver a dynamic show that transported the audience into a whirlwind of passion and emotion. To close this memorable inaugural evening, Omar Metioui, Leonor Leal and their musicians, united their talents to offer a dazzling performance, mixing Andalusian and flamenco sounds in a singular harmony.
This unprecedented collaboration was the high point of an evening rich in emotions, celebrating artistic diversity and strengthening the links between the musical traditions of Morocco and Spain. Maestro Omar Metioui said he was delighted by the warm welcome from the audience and the palpable energy that reigned in the room, highlighting the importance of this festival as a space for cultural dialogue and sharing, allowing artists from different origins to come together around Andalusian music. “It is an honor to participate in this celebration of artistic diversity and the richness of our heritage,” he added, noting that these moments of musical communion are essential to strengthen ties between cultures and promote a message of peace and tolerance.
For his part, the artistic director of the festival, Abdessalam Khaloufi noted that this inaugural evening perfectly embodies the mission of the festival, which is to promote Andalusian music while encouraging cultural exchanges between Moroccan and international artists. “We still have much to discover and celebrate, and I am convinced that the public will be delighted by the surprises that await us,” he continued.
For its 19th edition, more than a hundred musicians, singers and dancers will come together to offer a rich and varied program, ranging from traditional concerts to contemporary performances, highlighting the exceptional diversity of Andalusian music.
(With MAP)
