Kuwait Music Academy hosts Winter Festival

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 13: People living in Kuwait know that even the desert turns green in winter; many types of grass, bushes, and even flowers blossom and make the desert colorful. Greenery brings excitement, and freshness to life. These are the rules of nature and social life seems to be similar with young people full of energy like blossoming flowers in the gardens of society. To have said this, the Kuwait Music Academy organized its annual Winter Fest on February 2 at its native location in Salwa. Seven consecutive concerts ran from 9 pm until late evening, showcasing the talents of KMA students with performers, ranging from 5-year-old children to adult musicians, playing various instruments — piano, viola, flute, and more, in addition to singing to the warm applause of the audience.

The highlight of the day was the Gala Concert, which featured distinguished guests including ambassadors, making it a memorable event for all involved. Prof. Cezary Owerkowicz, co-founder of KMA, opened the event by welcoming families, friends, teachers, and young talents as dear guests, emphasizing the students as the hosts of the day. He expressed his admiration for the students’ efforts, developments, and achievements, making the day truly special. Mrs. Fajer Al-Mazidi, also a co-founder, thanked parents and teachers for their support in nurturing young musicians, highlighting talent development as the main goal of KMA. She announced the opening of a new branch at Al Barakha Complex in Mahboula (Blk 2). The concerts began with very young performers, who appeared confident and well-prepared.

It was impressive to see tiny pianists climbing onto piano chairs with the help of their teachers, and young violinists barely bigger than their instruments. Some performed alongside their teachers as accompanists. One notable performance was by 6-year-old Giorgia Haddad, who played her composition titled “Having Fun.” She was introduced by KMA’s new teacher, Mr. Kamil, who teaches vocal and piano. Giorgia’s piece received warm applause from the audience, showcasing her talent at a young age. After Giorgia’s performance, her sister Fabienne Haddad took the stage to perform the popular song “Jingle Bells.” Family performances like these were a common sight at the Winter Fest concerts, with numerous siblings showcasing their musical talents. Whether it was the Raeisi sisters, Daoudi sisters, Kendirjian siblings, or others, these family performances added a special flavor to the event.

Audience
The close and friendly relationships between the staff and students, fostered by administrative coordinator Mrs. Malak, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere akin to a musical family. Each concert was punctuated by a family photo session, further enhancing the sense of community. One of KMA’s new teachers, the virtuoso guitarist Mr. Alex, not only showcased his exceptional skills by performing the famous Spanish piece “Leyenda” by Isaac Albeniz but also introduced his new students on guitar and piano. Mr. Alex, who also teaches percussion, delighted the audience with a duet alongside Yousef Al Awadhi, performing Eric Clapton’s hit song “Layla.” The Winter Fest concerts also featured a diverse repertoire presented by young singers like Kholoud Salman, who performed popular songs to the delight of the audience. Listeners always like a wide repertoire presented by young singers, from Kholoud Salman in popular song.

Performances
The Gala Concert commenced with performances by young yet highly talented musicians such as Witold Masternak, Farah Dashti, and the aforementioned sisters Lizbeth and Dana Tu. The repertoire featured a wide range of composers, from classical masters like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Paganini, and Chopin to modern composers like Debussy and D. Brubeck. The performances were characterized by their high level of skill and interpretation.

The highlights of the Gala Concert included Keisha Mokashi’s rendition of Chopin’s Nocturne, Danah Rabeea’s performance of Mozart’s Fantasy, Tejia Wang’s interpretation of Debussy’s “Sunken Cathedral,” Sara Soliman’s execution of Chopin’s Polonaise in C, and Dr. Mohamad El Maraghy’s rendition of Beethoven’s Pathetic Sonata. These performances truly encapsulated the essence of the Day of Music and left a lasting impression on the audience. The abundance of musical talent showcased at the Winter Fest in Kuwait demonstrates that even in the winter, musical talents are fl ourishing, much like fl owers in the desert. It is a testament to the vibrant and thriving music scene in Kuwait, and it is a source of joy and inspiration for all who appreciate the arts. The Gala Concert at the Winter Fest featured a diverse array of musical talents, ranging from contemporary pop hits like “Killing Me Softly” performed by Najlaa Al Fakif to classical pieces such as Puccini’s “Aria di Lauretta.” The event began with impressive performances by young musicians like Witold Masternak, Farah Dashti, and the talented sisters Lizbeth and Dana Tu.

The repertoire spanned a wide range of composers, from classical masters like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin to modern composers like Debussy and D. Brubeck. Each performance showcased the exceptional level of skill and interpretation of the musicians involved. Notable interpretations included Keisha Mokashi’s rendition of Chopin’s Nocturne, Danah Rabeea’s performance of Mozart’s Fantasy, Tejia Wang’s interpretation of Debussy’s “Sunken Cathedral,” Sara Soliman’s execution of Chopin’s Polonaise in C, and Dr. Mohamad El Maraghy’s rendition of Beethoven’s Pathetic Sonata. These performances truly highlighted the depth of musical talent present at the event. The Winter Fest in Kuwait serves as a platform for nurturing and showcasing musical talents, and it is evident that these talents are flourishing even in the winter months. The event celebrates the beauty and diversity of music, much like flowers blooming in the desert, and is a testament to the vibrant cultural scene in Kuwait.

By Cezary Owerkowicz

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