Festive treats

The 17th edition of Spring of Culture continues this week with special performances, a film festival and a range of exhibitions and talks.

The festival, which has more than 50 activities including performances, workshops, exhibitions and tours lined up, kicked off on January 19, and will continue until the end of March.

Japanese Film Festival

Two beautiful Japanese films will be screened as part of the Japan Film Festival today and Friday.

Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura, a story about a mystery-solving couple, will be screened tonight at 6pm.

On-Gaku: Our Sound, a story about three high school troublemakers forming a rock ‘n’ roll band, will be shown on Friday at the same time.

Both movies, selected from the Japanese Film Library, will have English subtitles.

Venue: Bahrain National Museum Auditorium

André Rieu

The world-class violinist André Rieu is set to enchant audiences tomorrow, February 16, accompanied by the vibrant Johann Strauss Orchestra. His performances have stunned the world over. André’s incredible musical prowess, passion and charisma make for a magical spectacle and brings joy to millions of people.

The concert will begin at 8.30pm.

Venue: Al Dana Amphitheatre

Design Symposium

In 2022, Al Riwaq launched Majal, a pilot design initiative to survey the local design community and landscape.

Focused on maintaining a sustainable sense of practice and looking at local production, this symposium, on Friday, February 17, and Saturday, February 18, from 10am to noon, invites visitors to reflect on the future of design practices in Bahrain.

Venue: Al Riwaq Art Space

Omar Rahbany and the Passport Chamber Ensemble

At 8pm on Friday, February 17, Lebanese musician Omar Rahbany and the Passport Chamber Ensemble will take the stage to blur the borders between classical, pop, folk, jazz and Arabic.

The Passport Chamber Ensemble is an eclectic and polyvalent musical collective formed by a selection of musicians chosen for their versatility, technical skills and musical openness.

Venue: Cultural Hall

Dar Shabab Al Hidd Band

At 8pm on Saturday, February 18, join this local band for a special concert highlighting the arts of Al-Ardhah, Al-Fjiri, Al-Sout, Daq Al-Hab and more.

The Dar Shabab Al Hidd band gained fame on local and Gulf levels, thanks to its distinguished participation in the celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, national holidays, weddings, sea traditions and other occasions, which contribute to the transmission of authentic folk arts to future generations.

Venue: Dar Al Muharraq

Arab Culture in a Changing World

On Sunday, February 19, at 8pm, Dr Mubarak Rabei will deliver a lecture on the challenges facing Arab cultures in producing their own knowledge, while overcoming global dependence and lagging behind the global community, and how to remedy this huge gap.

Venue: Bahrain National Museum Auditorium

Ala Ghawas

Next Tuesday at 8pm, Bahraini musician Ala Ghawas will serenade audiences with a selection of songs, both in Arabic and English, from his nine albums released throughout his 15 year-long career.

The independent musician and bilingual singer-songwriter from Bahrain, is celebrated as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Venue: Cultural Hall

Nabeela Al Khayer

In this solo exhibition opening on February 20, Bahraini artist Nabeela Al Khayer translates what her eyes see into distinctive visual works that reflect a vibrant, abundant feeling, through which she presents her artistic palette.

Each of her works reflects a part of her soul, dipped in colour and painted on a canvas full of spirit and life. The exhibition is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 1.30pm, and 4pm to 8pm.

Venue: Albareh Art Gallery

Follow @springofculture on Instagram for details.