
Princess Lalla Hasnaa Inaugurates 28th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
Fez – The air smelled of global harmony and cross-cultural dialogue as Morocco's Princess Lalla Hasnaa presided over today's opening ceremony of the 28th annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music.
Held at Fez's historic Bab Makina, the ceremony unfolded as a grand show of sacred arts, a pure reflection of this year's theme of Renaissances.
A dedicated advocate of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, Princess Lalla Hasnaa's presence noted the festival's enduring mission to foster dialogue among civilizations and promote peace through the arts and culture.
In last year's edition, the Princess also graced the renowned festival with her presence.
A night of musical pilgrimage
The ceremony unfurled as a spiritual odyssey, featuring performances from Omani Sufi chants to Corsican Renaissance hymns.
The Tambours of Burundi brought the evening to a thunderous moment, their rhythmic mastery echoing through the imperial city, a fitting tribute to the festival's mission of fostering South-South dialogue.
Many more artists took the crowd by surprise with their out-of-this-world performances.
As the final notes of the opening night faded, the crowd's thunderous applause marked not an ending, but a beginning – the launch of nine magical days where Fez will transform into the world's undisputed capital of sacred arts.
From this inaugural spectacle to the last echoing chant, the festival is now officially ready to unveil its full potential of cross-cultural dialogues, midnight Sufi ceremonies, and transcendent performances that will resonate through the Fez ancient medina's winding alleys.
With eight more days of programming still to unfold, the 28th edition promises a true renaissance of the human spirit, an invitation to rediscover our shared humanity in a world in constant flux.
As Fez becomes the spiritual heartbeat of the world, may all who gather be uplifted, inspired, and transformed. Tags: CultureFez MusicFez sacred music festivalLalla Hasnaa
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Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Morocco World
Naghash Ensemble Brings Armenian Spirituality to Fez in A Soulful Dialogue Across Time
Fez – The Naghash Ensemble is a musical phenomenon that resists easy classification . On the Jnan Sbil stage of the 28th edition of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, the Armenian ensemble took the audience on a journey that transcended geography and time. Led by composer and pianist John Hodian, the group sang a spiritual conversation between past and present, East and West, sacred and secular. Blending Armenian folk traditions, classical minimalism, jazz, and even Western pop, the group breathes new life into the sacred poetry of Mkrtich Naghash, a 15th-century Armenian priest and poet. At the heart of the ensemble are three classically trained sopranos, whose soaring voices intertwine with the haunting tones of the duduk (Armenian wooden flute), the rhythmic pulse of the dohol (double-headed drum), the nuanced textures of the oud, and the synchronized depth of the piano. In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Hodian delved into the soul of the ensemble's work, the deep labor of creativity, and what it means to bring Armenian mystical texts to life in a Moroccan context. 'This is our first time performing in Morocco,' Hodian said with visible excitement. 'One of the things I'm so thrilled about is the very nature of this festival… it's very inclusive. Armenians obviously are Christian people, and what a wonderful thing that they would ask us to come here and be part of it.' Performing in a country where Islamic culture deeply informs its musical and spiritual traditions, the ensemble's presence is a symbol of interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. 'We're thrilled to be here,' Hodian emphasized. 'I really am.' The spiritual power of ancient words, reimagined The ensemble takes its name from Mkrtich Naghash, a 15th-century Armenian priest and poet whose meditative, mystical texts form the backbone of the group's repertoire. Mkrtich Naghash's texts, written in the aftermath of political turmoil and exile, explore themes of faith, suffering, and transcendence. The Naghash Ensemble amplifies these emotions through a sound that is at once ancient and strikingly contemporary. Hodian, the group's founder and creative force, composes original music inspired by these centuries-old writings. But this is no museum piece. 'The music we do is all new music that we've created,' Hodian explained. 'But it's based on ancient texts… That's why we're called the Naghash Ensemble.' What makes this synthesis remarkable is the intuitive way Hodian brings together disparate eras and musical styles. 'I don't consciously think this is old, this is new, this sounds Armenian, this sounds contemporary,' he said. 'It is just me responding to these words… I have to trust that I just use my intuition. That's all I have.' An ensemble without borders The musical configuration of the ensemble itself speaks to its boundary-crossing ethos. 'There's many different traditions of oud playing,' Hodian noted. 'Arabic, Turkic… same thing with dhol. But the dudukis the one instrument that is truly the voice of Armenian music. It has a very soulful, poignant sound.' This careful instrumentation creates a powerful sonic mosaic, complex, dynamic, and deeply emotive. 'It's hard to talk about music,' Hodian admitted. 'But we have three really wonderful singers doing this very kind of complicated counterpoint sometimes. And that's what the music is.' Musical kinship across cultures When asked whether Moroccan or broader Arabic music has influenced his work, Hodian was thoughtful but candid. While he is no scholar of the region's musical traditions, the musician expressed a deep appreciation for its authenticity and emotional power. 'I am somewhat familiar. Certainly not any kind of scholar on Arabic or Moroccan music,' he admitted. 'But I've always loved it. The only other time I was in Morocco, I specifically came to go to the Essaouira Festival, which was just wonderful. So I love the music.' However, Hodian's artistic compass is less about geography and more about sincerity. 'I love any genuine music from all over the world,' he continued. 'Whether it's Arabic or American or Armenian or whatever it is, as long as it's sincere, as long as it's honest.' This pursuit of honesty in composition often requires painful scrutiny. 'Sometimes I work on something for weeks, and I look at it and go, 'You know, this isn't really… this could be better.' And that's how I work.' In this way, his affinity for Moroccan and Arabic music isn't about imitation or fusion, but about a shared reverence for emotional truth, a quality that transcends language and tradition. Crafting the sound of the spirit When asked about his creative process, Hodian described it as both spiritually driven and painstakingly methodical. 'I write and I write and I write, and then I rewrite and I keep taking away and adding and taking away,' he explained. 'It takes me a long, long time… Sometimes the music is very simple, but it takes a very long time to get to the genuine stuff.' This sculptor-like approach reflects a deep respect for the material. 'Anything that is worthwhile is something that you have to work for,' he said. 'There are moments of great inspiration, but then to get it in its proper form… it is work.' Sacred, but not sentimental Though their work is rooted in sacred texts, Hodian avoids sentimentality or superficial spirituality. 'I just don't like anything that has artifice,' he said. 'You develop an instinct for what is honest and genuine and what is artificial. And I'm always just chipping away to get to that.' He draws a line between true creativity and pastiche. 'I love any genuine music from all over the world,' he added. 'As long as it's sincere, as long as it's honest.' The connection between music and spirituality is central to Hodian's vision, but not in the way one might expect. 'Something that is easy, something that is just sat in your lap, you can lose it just as easily,' he said. 'Maybe if I was Mozart, it would come to me easily. But it isn't for me. I have to work quite hard.' That struggle, however, is also the path to transcendence. 'For me… it's as close to an otherworldly experience as I get in this world,' he said of performing live. 'I am transfixed for the 45 minutes, hour, whatever it is.' Letting go of expectations While the Ensemble's music is meticulously composed, Hodian approaches performance with humility and openness. 'I have learned not to have any expectations,' he said. 'And when I do, they're usually wrong… I just know every time we perform, we are in it completely.' In this way, each concert becomes a spiritual exercise, and not just for the audience, but for the performers themselves. 'Whether the audience comes along with us… they usually do. So we hope they will tonight.' Between worlds The performance of the Naghash Ensemble at the Fez Festival is not only an artistic contribution; it is a gesture of spiritual unity. In a world that often fractures along lines of faith and culture, their music reminds us that there are deeper connections to be found in the shared human search for meaning. By setting the words of a medieval Armenian mystic to music that speaks to modern ears, the Naghash Ensemble has created a new sacred tradition, one that invites the world in, rather than shutting it out. Tags: Fez World Sacred Music FestivalNaghash Ensemblesacred music


Morocco World
23-05-2025
- Morocco World
Fez Celebrates 44 Years of UNESCO Heritage with Music at the World Sacred Music Festival
Fez – Yesterday, the historic Bab El Makina in Fez became the stage for a transcendent musical experience, marking the 44th anniversary of the city's inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This special event was part of the 28th edition of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, a gathering that unites artists and audiences in a shared celebration of spiritual and cultural heritage. A grand convergence of tradition and spirituality Under the guidance of renowned Moroccan maestro Mohammed Briouel, 44 virtuoso musicians specializing in Moroccan Andalusian music, known as 'Al Ala', joined forces with 44 Moussamiines (Sufi singers) from various Moroccan zaouias, led by Sheikh Ali Rebbahi. Together, they embarked on a musical journey through the 11 'Noubas' and all the 'Toubous' of 'Al Ala,' enriched by the 'Mayazines' and 'Al Adrajs', compositions originating from Moroccan zaouias that have expanded the 'Al Ala' repertoire. This collaboration culminated in a unique Sufi musical experience and presented a unique spiritual journey that resonated deeply with the audience. The performance was further enhanced by the presence of 20 Foukaras, who accompanied the ensemble, adding rhythmic depth to the 'Hadra', a collective Sufi ritual. The repertoire featured the profound words of great Sufi masters such as Omar Ibn al-Farid, Abu al-Hassan al-Shushtari, and Mohammed al-Harrak, whose poetry and philosophy have long inspired spiritual seekers. A tribute to Fez's cultural legacy This event was not merely a concert but a tribute to Fez's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The city, with its centuries-old traditions and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has long been a center of learning and spiritual reflection. The 44th anniversary of its UNESCO designation is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating intangible cultural heritage. The performance also put to the forefront the enduring legacy of Moroccan Andalusian music, a genre that blends Arab, Andalusian, and Amazigh influences, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Morocco. By bringing together master musicians and Sufi singers, the event showcased the living tradition of 'Al Ala' and its capacity to adapt and thrive in contemporary settings. A night to remember As the evening unfolded, the audience was enveloped in a soundscape that transcended time and space. The intricate melodies of 'Al Ala', the soulful renditions of Sufi poetry, and the rhythmic accompaniment of the Foukaras created an atmosphere of profound spiritual connection. The performance was a testament to the power of music to unite people across cultures and generations, while also fostering a shared sense of reverence and awe. The 44th-anniversary celebration at the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music was more than a commemorative event; it was a living expression of the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Through such initiatives, Fez continues to serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural dialogue, inviting the world to experience the depth and beauty of its traditions. As the festival continues, it remains a testament to the enduring power of music and spirituality to bridge divides and foster a deeper understanding of our shared human heritage. Tags: Fez World Sacred Music Festivalsacred musicSufi musicUNESCO Fez


Maroc
19-05-2025
- Maroc
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music Deepens Morocco's Connection to African Roots
The 28th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, whose opening ceremony was chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa on Friday evening, shines a spotlight on Africa's beauty, diversity, vitality, and spirituality. From the very first moments of the magnificent opening performance on the Bab Makina stage, the African dimension emerged vividly, imbued with rich meaning and aligned with this year's theme of "Renaissances." According to a press release from the Esprits de Fès Foundation, the festival celebrates Africa as a fertile land where nature and man are part of an ancient ecology that offers its civilizational model to the world, while illustrating the role of Fez as a spiritual beacon and a hub for cultural and religious renewal movements across the continent. "We wanted to pay tribute to Africa, a continent whose youth ensures the preservation and celebration of its age-old traditions, the transmission of its heritage for future generations, thus contributing to its cultural renaissance," Abderrafia Zouitene, President of the Foundation stated. This tribute, further anchores Morocco in its African roots and is in line with Morocco's commitments to South-South cooperation in accordance with the royal vision, he added, as quoted in the press release. In the days to come, an eclectic program will take audiences on a journey from ecstasy and meditation, celebration and trance. The festival will feature artists from the Maghreb (Morocco) to West Africa (Senegal, Mali, Ghana), East Africa (Burundi), and beyond, including the Indian Ocean (Mayotte), the Caribbean (Haiti), and the wider world of the African diasporas. The 28th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is being held from May 16 to 24, under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI under the theme: "Renaissances." (MAP: 18 May 2025)