Sharjah24: Tanweer Festival, taking place on November 22, 23 and 24, 2024 — in the breathtaking Mleiha desert region of Sharjah — is anticipated to be an unforgettable celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression. This inaugural event is poised to gather a diverse audience through the experiential power of music, art, and poetry, and is inspired by the profound wisdom of Jalal Al Din Al Rumi under the theme of “Timeless Echoes of Love and Light.”
Highlighting the second day of the festival, featuring an incredible lineup of performances and activities, this first-of-its-kind event in the region invites attendees to immerse themselves in an experience that transcends boundaries and evokes a deep connection to the surrounding natural wonders.
A journey of light and musical masterpieces await
Headlining the evening on the main stage will be the highly anticipated performance by “Journeys of Light”, an initiative by Kamal Musallam aiming to spread the light and the spirit of collaboration between artists hailing from all over the world. Each traveling on their own Journey of Light, combining forces and synergies to produce one show with inspiring music that is composed by the participating artists, with a fusion of musical elements from various genres, re-arranged and orchestrated by Kamal and his core team. Journeys of Light features Kamal Musallam on oud and guitar, Lisa Gerrard, Loir Cotler, Rasha Rizk and Anjana Rajagopalan on vocals, Glen Velez on percussion, Mike Del Ferro on piano, Dwiki Dharmawan on synthesizers, Marc Miralta on drums and Daniele Cappucci on double bass. All are accompanied by the Elite Chamber Orchestra conducted by Stoyan Stoyanov.
Another major highlight on Tanweer Festival main stage will be “Constantinople & Ghalia Benali”, a musical ensemble led by setar virtuoso, Kiya Tabassian and joined by Tunisian singer and songwriter Ghalia Benali. This artistic pairing will connect diverse musical traditions and offer renditions from their renowned album “In the Footsteps of Rumi,” promising a deep exploration of his work set to music that reflects themes of philosophy and self-reflection.
The evening will continue with an orchestral Qawwali performance by critically acclaimed composer, Rushil Ranjan, and vocal virtuoso Abi Sampa, along with world-renowned choreographer/dancer Aakash Odedra. By perfectly blending Sufi poetry with Indian classical dance and soul-stirring orchestral arrangements, this performance delivers an immersive and impactful experience that celebrates the rich spiritual heritage of Qawwali music.
A celebration of diverse sounds
At the Tree of Life stage, attendees can look forward to performances by Senny Camara, who will enchant audiences with her unique blend of West African rhythms and contemporary pop, alongside art performer Mary Malifarges merging of paint and music. Following their performance, Baraka Blue accompanied with Shadi’s Band will bring their vibrant energy and rhythmic beats that draw from various musical traditions. Renowned Gnawa musician Hassan Hakmoun is also set to ignite the stage through his artistic interpretation of ancient Moroccan traditions, delivering captivating sounds from his ‘sintir’ — a three-stringed bass central to Gnawa music.
The power of creative expression
At Tanweer Festival various performances will also take place within the festival’s indigenous marketplace which features handcrafted products, instruments, art, and sustainable goods from local and international vendors.
Festival goers can enjoy unforgettable performances by Anas Halabi, known as the first handpan player in the Middle East, who will showcase his alluring melodic compositions. Another highlight within the market setting will be Sandu, who will present tabla and percussive renditions, celebrated for bridging traditional Indian rhythms with contemporary styles.
Finally, the Heritage Bands, Al Aahaal and Noban are set to enchant audiences with their performances, celebrating the rich and historic traditions of heritage music that reflects their cultural roots and artistic expressions.
Immersive experiences await
During the three-day festival, attendees can also look forward to captivating art installations enhancing the festival atmosphere and inspiring creativity throughout the venue. There will also be a number of activities to ignite curiosity and adventure including moon-gazing, horse riding, guided tours of the Mleiha archaeological site and the Valley of the Caves, a historical journey through the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, as well as incredible paragliding opportunities at ‘Sky Adventures’ providing panoramic views of the desert from above.
With such an exciting array of performances and activities planned for Tanweer Festival’s second day, guests are sure to have a truly unforgettable experience. For more information and insight on the lineup and festival themes, visit www.tanweerfestival.com.
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