Latest news with #FezFestivalofWorldSacredMusic
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
- Entertainment
- 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
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Tijaniyya Resonance in Fez: A Night of Sufi Devotion and Deep Roots
Fez – On Tuesday evening, the gardens of Jnan Sbil swelled with spiritual fervor as the National Tijani Samaa Group, led by Mohcine Nourrach, took the stage for one of the most anticipated evenings of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. Twelve vocalists, dressed in traditional white, filled the air with sacred praise poems and devotional chants. From the moment the first verse rang out, the audience was pulled into a state of collective reverence. These were not just songs. They were centuries-old invocations, echoing the spiritual teachings of Tijani masters and infused with Morocco's rich musical tradition. Founded in the late 18th century by Ahmad al-Tijani, the Tijaniyya order quickly spread across North and West Africa. Its teachings emphasize direct remembrance of God (dhikr), regular prayer upon the Prophet, and spiritual discipline, all without the need for retreat or isolation, an approach that made it especially accessible to scholars, tradesmen, and rulers alike. After al-Tijani's relocation to Fez, the city became the heart of the order. His zawiya (spiritual lodge), where he is buried, remains a revered site of pilgrimage to this day, anchoring Morocco's central role in Tijani religious and cultural life. For Nourrach and his ensemble, the performance was both a privilege and a prayer. 'Our constant aim is to enrich the global samaa repertoire with the poems of these celebrated poets,' he told Morocco World News, referencing figures like Al Arabi ibn al-Saih and Faqih al-Skirrej. Framed by the sacred presence of Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani's mausoleum, the night echoed with devotion, bridging poetic legacy, spiritual longing, and Morocco's enduring role in the Sufi musical tradition. Read also: It went beyond a simple act of preservation to become a live transmission of heritage. The group performed odes by iconic Tijani poets such as Sidi Ibrahim Niasse and Al Arabi ibn al-Saih, as well as lesser-known yet deeply influential voices like al-Kansusi. Each chant served as a bridge between Fez and the rest of Africa, between the past and the present, between art and divine remembrance. While rooted in Moroccan samaa, the performance also nodded to the transcontinental scope of the Tijani order. The order's spiritual and cultural footprint is vast, with followers spanning from Senegal to Sudan. That breadth was felt in every rhythm and refrain performed at Tuesday's concert, making the event not just a local celebration but a pan-African homage. Now in its 28th edition, the Fez Festival of Sacred Music continues to position itself as more than a cultural event: it is a spiritual convergence. Over 200 artists from 15 countries have gathered under the theme of unity through sacred sound, transforming the city into a living sanctuary of intercultural dialogue and spiritual exploration. On this particular night, however, it was Tijanny poetry that took center stage. And in doing so, it reminded everyone in attendance that some of the most powerful forms of connection don't need translation, they just need to be heard with the heart. Tags: Fez festivalfez festival world sacred musicsufi festivalSufi music
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Whirling Mysticism: Istanbul's Sufi Ensemble Enchants Fez's Bab Makina
Fez – On the evening of Sunday, May 18, the majestic Bab Makina in Fez opened its gates to a spiritual immersion unlike any other. The Istanbul Sufi Ceremonies Ensemble (Istanbul Meydan Meşkleri Topluluğu) brought the ancient ritual of the Mevlevi Sema to life, as part of the 28th edition of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. Under moonlit skies and centuries-old stone, the audience sat hushed as the first soft notes of the ney flute stirred the air. In flowing white robes and tall felt hats, the dervishes stepped into the circle, not to perform, but to pray. Also in attendance was the Turkish Ambassador to Morocco, Mustafa İlker Kılıç, whose presence noted the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries. His presence at such a spiritually grandiose performance is none other than a symbolic gesture of Turkey's support for interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. The shared Sufi heritage between Morocco and Turkey, two huge homes to rich mystical traditions, offered a moment of unity, in music and in values of tolerance, introspection, and the pursuit of the divine. Meanwhile, Dervish Mehmet Mithat Özçakıl, a third-generation Mevlevi whirling dervish, pointed to the importance of preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of Rumi and the Sufi tradition. Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN), Özçakıl explained, 'We need Rumi's opinion. We need it because Sema tells unity. Rumi tells about unity and brotherhood.' Özçakıl, who performs as part of an ensemble from Istanbul and is also the director of Istanbul Sufi ceremonies ensemble, noted that the international gathering of artists and audiences at the festival reflects the very ideals Rumi preached. 'Many people are coming here. And it also makes us a unity. So this festival is very important for us,' he said. 'It looks like very similarity with the Rumi's Sufi thoughts.' His ensemble, he added, is composed of highly trained individuals dedicated to maintaining the authenticity of Sufi spiritual practice. 'In our ensemble, we have very special people. We have masters. And they follow the Sufi tradition spiritually,' Özçakıl said. As a representative of a lineage that spans three generations, Özçakıl takes pride in continuing his family's spiritual mission. 'I am a whirling dervish. I am a third generation, me, my brother, and me the third one,' he explained. 'Our father was our teacher. And his father, my grandfather, was my father's teacher. We are trying to preserve this tradition.' Despite the passage of time and changes in musical interpretation, Özçakıl stressed the importance of staying true to the roots of Sema, the whirling ceremony that symbolizes spiritual ascent and unity with the divine. 'The Sema changed a lot. Unfortunately, the music changed a lot. But we are trying to do the authentic form, the original form of Sema with the full part,' he said. For the evening's performance, Özçakıl prepared to present a deeply traditional rendition of the Sema. 'Tonight, our Sema music is nearly 100 years old. And this Sema is Mevlevi Sufi order's Sema, and it's almost 400 years old,' he explained. The spirit of Rumi in motion 'All paths lead to God. I have chosen the one of dance and music.' These words, attributed to Jalal ad-Din Rumi, echoed in the very air of Bab Makina. The dervishes embodied this devotion, their slow, steady revolutions mirrored the movements of celestial bodies, from the orbits of planets to the spin of atoms. Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, saw the universe as a constant dance of love. He taught that music and movement could dissolve the self, allowing the soul to reach toward the divine. This philosophy found expression in the Mevlevi Sema, a ritual of whirling, music, poetry, and silence. No mention of Rumi is complete without Shams ed Dîn Tabrîzî, the wandering dervish whose meeting with Rumi sparked a spiritual transformation that would change Islamic mysticism forever. More than a friend, Chams became the mirror through which Rumi saw divine beauty. The Mevlevi path, shaped after Chams' disappearance, carries the scent of that encounter. The whirling dervishes do not spin to entertain; they turn to vanish, to become empty vessels for the love that once passed between a poet and his beloved teacher. Sacred music, shared humanity This year's festival theme, 'Renaissances', found deep resonance in the ensemble's offering. Turkish makam music rose and fell in deliberate modes, guiding the dervishes in their spiritual ascent. The voices of the singers reached for the divine, even as their tones remained grounded in centuries of Anatolian tradition. There were no flashing lights or grand finales. The power of the performance came from its quiet dignity. the way the Sema invited reflection, not spectacle. Sufism speaks in a language that goes beyond religion. Its metaphors are not bound to creed. A circle of dancers, a reed flute, a poem of longing, these belong to anyone who has ever searched for something greater than the self. As the final notes faded into the Fez night and the dervishes stilled their spinning, the crowd remained seated, caught in a moment of reverent silence. Here, in this meeting of East and West, past and present, a shared stillness unfolded; not just the end of a performance, but perhaps the beginning of a prayer. Fez Festival of World Sacred Music continues through May 24, with performances spanning sacred traditions from around the globe.
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music Celebrates Africa's Spiritual and Cultural Renaissance
Fez – The 28th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music opened tonight night at the historic Bab Makina, launching nine days of performances that honor Africa's enduring spiritual legacy and contemporary creative energy. This year's theme, Renaissances, reflects the continent's ancient traditions and their eclectic evolution in modern times. For centuries, Fez has stood as Morocco's spiritual and intellectual capital – a crossroads of Sufi mysticism, Islamic scholarship, and Andalusian musical heritage. Its ancient medina, home to the world's oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine, has long been a sanctuary for sacred arts, where music serves as prayer and bridge between cultures. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music draws from this legacy to transform the city into a global stage where traditions converge. The festival's artistic director noted Africa's central role in this year's programming. 'We are celebrating Africa as a living civilization,' said Abderrafia Zouitene, President of the Fondation Esprit de Fès. 'From Morocco to Mayotte, from ancestral rituals to contemporary fusions, these performances show how tradition breathes new life into our global cultural landscape.' Friday's opening ceremony set the tone with a spectacular production that put together North African and sub-Saharan influences. Bridging eras through sacred music Over the coming days, audiences will experience everything from the devotional Sufi chants of Senegal's Mouride brotherhood to the earth-shaking drum ceremonies of Burundi's master percussionists. Each evening at Jnan Sbil garden, different spiritual musical traditions will take place, including Morocco's Aissawa and Hamadcha brotherhoods and Mali's legendary Master Musicians of Jajouka. Several artists, if not all, consider the festival as a connecting bridge between generations and genres. Malian musician Adama Sidibé, perhaps the last living master of the sokou, a traditional one-stringed instrument, will perform alongside French jazz violinist Clément Janinet in a groundbreaking collaboration. Haitian-Canadian saxophonist Jowee Omicil will present his unique fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and Caribbean spiritual traditions, while Ghanaian harp virtuoso John Kwame Osei Korankye demonstrates how ancient instruments can speak to contemporary audiences. The festival culminates on May 24 with 'The Great Night of Griots,' featuring Mali's Ballaké Sissoko Orkestra alongside artists from across West Africa. These hereditary musicians and storytellers will perform epic narratives that have been passed down through centuries to connect modern audiences to the grandeur of the Manding Empire and Ashanti Kingdom. South-South unity Beyond the formal concerts, the streets surrounding Bab Boujloud will pulse with free performances, including the mesmerizing Zaouli mask dances from Ivory Coast and spectacular stilt-walking displays. The festival transforms all of Fez into a living celebration of sacred artistry and prove that these traditions remain as vital today as when they first emerged centuries ago. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music continues through May 24, with performances daily at multiple venues throughout the city. The festival's celebration of Africa's cultural renaissance aligns with Morocco's longstanding commitment to South-South cooperation, a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI's foreign policy vision. By featuring artists from across the continent and its diasporas – from Senegal and Mali to Burundi and Mayotte – the festival creates a dynamic platform for cultural exchange that strengthens ties between African countries. This cultural diplomacy mirrors Morocco's broader efforts in economic and developmental cooperation across the Global South, particularly in Africa where the kingdom has invested significantly in infrastructure projects, educational exchanges, and interfaith dialogue. This African-focused edition reinforces the festival's and Morocco's roots in the continent while advancing a vision of cooperation that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. Tags: Fez sacred music festivalsacred musicSufi music
