KUWAIT CITY, Nov 3: The Spanish symphony orchestra, Villa de Colmenar Viejo, led by Maestro Kiko Moreno, presented a rich panorama of Spanish artistic heritage on Sunday at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC). The concert was organized in collaboration between the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Kuwait and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL).

Spain’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Manuel Hernández, said during the event, “Tonight at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, we gather to immerse ourselves in the depths of Spanish music.” He added that while Spain is well-known and loved by many Kuwaitis, “behind the familiar expressions of our identity—such as architecture, Spanish cuisine, flamenco, and, of course, football—lie centuries-old musical traditions that remain largely unknown outside the country.”

The ambassador noted that the concert featured compositions by the young symphony orchestra from the heart of Spain and offered a glimpse of Spain’s musical heritage. The repertoire included works by prominent Spanish composers such as Falla and Granados, as well as the zarzuela, a traditional Spanish musical form akin to operetta or light opera. He said all pieces carried a distinctive Spanish character rooted in deep popular and folkloric traditions.

Ambassador Hernández expressed his appreciation to the NCCAL for its support in making the event possible, and to the staff of the JACC for their close cooperation with the Spanish Embassy.

For his part, NCCAL Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector, Musaed Al-Zamel, told KUNA that the Council consistently cooperates with Arab and international embassies in Kuwait to organize events such as cultural weeks, orchestras, and folk arts under cultural cooperation and exchange agreements. He noted that Kuwait has had such an agreement with Spain since 2008.

Al-Zamel added that the Spanish Embassy selected a ten-member ensemble to strengthen artistic relations between the two countries. “This beautiful soft power and cultural diplomacy solidify the relationship between Kuwait and Spain. This is cultural exchange at its best,” he said. Al-Zamel also highlighted that this year has seen numerous cultural events with several sisterly and friendly countries, reflecting the NCCAL’s commitment to fostering creativity and welcoming cultural initiatives.

The Villa de Colmenar Viejo Orchestra opened the concert by performing the national anthems of Kuwait and Spain. It then performed several artistic pieces, including Sighs of Spain, selections from Twelve Spanish Dances, Jirabe, Night Music from the Streets of Madrid, excerpts from Seven Spanish Folk Songs, and other renowned works, captivating the Kuwait audience with Spain’s rich musical heritage.

The Via de Colmenar Viejo Symphony Orchestra presents a Spanish musical panorama at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre