The event, held at the Kingdom’s residence in the Spanish capital, allowed the Festival’s partners to inquire about a program that promotes cultural diversity, tolerance and living together, according to a press release from the organizers.
Placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, the Festival, which will be held from May 24 to June 1 under the theme “The Quest for the Spirit of Al-Andalus”, has chosen Spain as its country of honor. Hence the theme which will thus highlight the period of peaceful cohabitation of the religions of the Book in Andalusia from the 8th to the 15th century, considered a Golden Age, and whose spirit still endures in the Kingdom and which has animated the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music for 26 years.
The ceremony was marked by the presence of Mrs. Carmen Calvo, President of the Spanish Council of State, Mrs. Karima Benyaich, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Madrid and Mr. Abderrafie Zouitene, President of the Esprit de Fez Foundation, in addition to several personalities from the world of politics, culture, media and the arts, notes the same source.
The event also saw the screening of a film on the Festival’s programme, in addition to an exceptional performance by the Moroccan singer from Melhoun and Gharnati, Sanae Marahati, accompanied by the Andalusian orchestra Al Qarawiyin.
Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Carmen Calvo, President of the Spanish Council of State, reiterated the importance of this type of event that reflects the shared cultural heritage between Morocco and Spain, while welcoming the values promoted by the Fez Festival. “It is one of the most important musical events that I know, a space for the intersection of high-quality Moroccan and international music. It is an example to the world in terms of respect for different cultures and traditions. I am convinced that this year’s edition will be very special, very different and extraordinarily interesting,” said Ms. Carmen Calvo.
For her part, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Madrid, Karima Benyaich, indicated that this ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate “the spirit of renewal that currently characterizes relations between Morocco and Spain, allowing us to move forward together towards a lasting strategic partnership and the achievement of common objectives.”
She also specified that the objective is to establish this strategic partnership over time and to continue to build deep human, cultural and economic ties between the two Kingdoms, in order to face the future with ambition and confidence and to build a new dynamic carrying promises, ambitions and concrete actions.
“We are delighted with the choice of Spain as the country of honor for this 27th edition. In a world that often suffers from extremism, Morocco and Spain have always acted to spread values of tolerance and sharing. This edition will thus highlight these deep values and the historical and unwavering bonds of friendship that bind the two Kingdoms, in particular through a program that includes shows and fusions of artists from both countries,” declared, for his part, Mr. Abderrafie Zouitene, President of the Esprit de Fez Foundation.
The presentation ceremony of the 27th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music in Madrid was a great success and was applauded by the audience of personalities who came in large numbers to the event.
In keeping with this same spirit of sharing and strengthening friendly ties, a ceremony will be organized in the coming days in Paris, at the Senate, where Mr. Abderrafie Zouitene will present the 27th edition of the Festival to French senators and distinguished guests, while reaffirming the role of culture in building bridges between Morocco and its historical and privileged partners.
2024-09-13 08:01:31