Latest news with #KuwaitMusicAcademy
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Gala Chopin concert closes Europe Month celebrations
This year, Kuwait has been recognized as the Arab Capital of Culture, while Poland holds the presidency of the European Union. The year 2025 also holds special significance for enthusiasts of Chopin's music. In October, Warsaw will host the 19th edition of the International Chopin Piano Competition — one of the oldest and most prestigious music competitions in the world. Held every five years, the event has, for nearly a century, discovered outstanding piano talents and launched the international careers of young musicians. In Kuwait, since 1999, many gifted young musicians have competed in the International Chopin Competition organized by the Kuwait Music Academy. Co-founded by Polish musicians, the academy has promoted classical music and provided high-level music education in Kuwait for over 30 years. This year, the 7th edition of the competition was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland and under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The event also received strong support from the French and British ambassadors, who sponsored special prizes for participants. More than 30 nationalities were represented among the applicants. After reviewing 120 submissions, the jury awarded the Grand Prix Prize — founded by the ambassador of Poland — to Shaun Thomas (India) and Shahad Tarik AlAsad (Kuwait). The gala concert and award ceremony took place at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre and was attended by Dr Mohanned Al-Jassar Secretary General of the NCCAL, along with the ambassadors of Poland, France and Great Britain. The evening began with an opening performance by distinguished Kuwaiti pianist Faisal Al-Bahairi, followed by the Grand Prix winners performing select works by Chopin. The concert also marked the closing of the Europe Month celebrations, which took place throughout May.
Arab Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
KMA's Spring Chamber Concert wows audience with classical masterpieces
After the Kuwait Music Academy (KMA) Spring Chamber Concert last Friday, music lovers in Kuwait can confidently say they have found a new home for enjoying live performances. One of the concert participants shared his thoughts online after the event: 'Each performance was truly inspiring and created an unforgettable experience for all listeners, captivating the audience and bringing the spirit of spring to life through music.' KMA has long been committed to nurturing young musical talent. At the end of each academic year, it organizes the 'Treasure of Talents' Festival -- a well-established event that has been running for over 25 years. In recent years, this prestigious festival has been held at Dar al-Athar Hall in Yarmouk. KMA also organizes the popular New Year Winter Concert series at its headquarters in Salwa, in addition to hosting occasional concerts and collaborative events with foreign soloists and bands visiting Kuwait. These performances have been warmly received, drawing enthusiastic audiences and earning wide recognition. Love music like Einstein Albert Einstein, hailed as a genius of the 20th century for his contributions to Physics, also held music close to his heart. Encouraged by his mother's musical talent, he became a passionate violinist, playing Mozart's sonatas flawlessly by the age of 13. He once said, 'Love music like you love Physics.' Nevertheless, we all remember his powerful reminder that resonates with musicians and educators alike: 'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving forward.' Inspired by growing number of students, KMA opened new branches in Mahboula and Sabah Al-Salem. A team of dynamic, young, yet highly experienced teachers -- many of whom are virtuosos themselves -- has laid the foundation for orchestral rehearsals and regular public concerts at the KMA headquarters. This is a confirmation of the advice of Einstein that you should not stop developing. The success of previous event, 'Viola Bouquet', and the current 'Spring Chamber' concert, confirms that the academy is moving forward in the right direction. Music in the Chamber A day before the concert, the KMA hall was filled with elegantly prepared chairs, then the next day was filled with guests and music lovers clad in casual clothes. All ages of live music enthusiasts attended the event -- from the seven-year-old girl, Pola to the senior citizens, as well as distinguished guests and diplomats including H.E. Michał Cholewa, Head of the Polish Embassy, and Dr. Dmytro Serov from the Ukrainian Embassy.
