This sounds like summer

Pianist Nadia Lopchynska and flautist Ahmed Al Ghanem are set to serenade music lovers at an event to be held at St Christopher’s Cathedral on June 9.

It aims to pay tribute to Reverend Chris Butt, who has returned to Bahrain for a brief period, as well as celebrate art and culture.

The duo will be performing a mixture of classical music as well as Arabic, Latin and jazzy ensembles in their Summertime concert, alongside a fine art exhibition featuring the colourful works of Ebrahim Al Ghanem that are revered by the Reverend.

“Both Nadia and Ahmed are remembered warmly in St Christopher’s Cathedral for their previous performances, together and separately,” said Reverend Chris, who served as dean of St Christopher’s Cathedral for 10 years until 2019 and returned for a brief period to lead services and provide pastoral care to the congregation.

“They are talented musicians and Ahmed has performed a world premiere of his own composition at the Cathedral. When I knew that I was going to be back in Bahrain, I wrote to Ahmed and asked if he would like to give a concert and I also included a photo of Ebrahim’s painting saying how much it meant to us. I think that is what sowed a seed in Ahmed’s mind to combine music with an exhibition of Ebrahim’s paintings.”

Ebrahim, 36, is a member of the Bahrain Society for Fine Arts who has participated in several exhibitions across the kingdom and the region.

Reverend Chris and his wife Tricia had attended one of Ebrahim’s exhibitions a few years ago before they left Bahrain to the UK. Reverend Chris bought a painting of fish hanging on a line, drying in the sun, for Tricia’s birthday. It hangs above their dining room table in their kitchen in Birmingham where it is much admired and evokes memories of Bahrain.

“I am looking forward to a marvellous fusion of music and art in the beauty of St Christopher’s Cathedral which also has such a fine acoustic for music,” added Reverend Chris. “I hope this event will draw an enthusiastic audience.”

Nadia, a Ukranian pianist and teacher from Jannusan, will be performing a Ukrainian folk song called Oj u luzi chervona kaluna which translates to ‘In the meadow, there a red viburnum has bent down low’ as well as two pieces by modern composers Lianne Steeman’s Wandering Thoughts and Rahel Senn’s Song for Peace.

She and Bahraini composer and flautist Ahmed will also be showcasing his world premier Elegy as well as Samaee Ghanem and Solitude.

“Music is more than just a passion; it is my life’s work,” said the 32-year-old who started playing piano at the age of eight and has a Bachelor’s degree and a specialist diploma as a chamber ensemble performer. She has showcased her skills in multiple concerts, including the Gala Pino Recital to launch the new Cathedral piano in 2018.

“Performing in St Christopher’s Cathedral has become a tradition for Ahmed and me, as we have played here multiple times and it will be an honour to play here again,” added Nadia.

Ahmed added that one of the main reasons he likes being a part of the cathedral’s concerts is that music brings everyone together.

“The language of music is eloquent and showcases many emotions such as tolerance,” said the 52-year-old Bahraini who worked as a music teacher in public schools for 10 years before moving to the Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities as head of music and folklore until 2018. He is now composing music and organising events while also making YouTube videos of his work.

“I love the sound of music in this cathedral,” added the flautist who has performed in Norway, Paris and Cuba. “It’s the most beautiful acoustic hall in Bahrain and you will never get this sound in any hall or theatre. When I’m playing, I feel like I’m flying. However, the most important thing about these concerts is that the audience, despite their small numbers, are elite and connoisseurs of music at a high level.”

They will be playing Arabic music with the Riq, an instrument similar to the tambourine. Egyptian percussionist Hani Yousef, who is currently working as a specialist for music activities at the Education Ministry in Bahrain, will also be joining them.

The event starts at 6pm and tickets can be purchased from St Christopher’s Cathedral.