Khaled Al-Shaikh Opens 35th Bahrain International Music Festival

• Khaled Al-Shaikh performed his concert “Remind Me” at the Bahrain National Theatre.

• The concert featured the Bahrain Music Band led by Maestro Dr. Ziyad Zaiman.

• The festival will continue throughout October and November with local and international performances.

The 35th edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival opened at the Bahrain National Theatre with a concert by Bahraini singer and composer Khaled Al-Shaikh, titled “Remind Me.”

The opening performance featured the Bahrain Music Band, led by Maestro Dr. Ziyad Zaiman, and presented a selection of works highlighting important milestones in Al-Shaikh’s musical career.

Celebrating Gulf Musical Heritage

During the concert, Al-Shaikh performed a collection of his works alongside songs connected to Gulf poetic and artistic experiences.

The programme included works associated with poets Fathiya Ajlan and Ali Al Sharqawi, as well as pieces linked to veteran Kuwaiti artist Abdullah Al-Ruwaished.

The selections revisited important contributions to Gulf music and highlighted their lasting place in the region’s musical memory.

Orchestral Arrangements

The evening featured musical arrangements prepared by Dr. Ziyad Zaiman, whose orchestral interpretations maintained the character of the original works while adding rich melodic arrangements inspired by Gulf musical traditions.

The performance reflected the diversity of Bahrain’s musical heritage and the continuing influence of Gulf music and poetry on contemporary artistic expression.

Festival Continues

The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival will continue throughout October and November, with a programme featuring local and international singers, musicians and musical groups.

The festival will also include performances by Bahraini folk bands, highlighting the Kingdom’s diverse musical traditions and cultural identity.

The programme underscores music’s role as a form of cultural expression and as a bridge connecting audiences and artists across geographical and cultural boundaries.