LOC00:36
21:36 GMT
KUWAIT, Nov 2 (KUNA) -- 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 event was held in collaboration between the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the State of Kuwait and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL).
Spain's Ambassador to Kuwait, Manuel Hern?ndez, stated in his address during the ceremony, "Tonight at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, we gather to immerse ourselves in the depths of Spanish music."
Ambassador Hern?ndez noted that the concert featured compositions by the young symphony orchestra from the heart of Spain.
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 are still largely unknown outside the country."
The Ambassador highlighted that the concert offered a glimpse of this musical heritage, presenting a variety of pieces from prominent Spanish composers like Falla and Granados, and including a unique Spanish musical form known as Zarzuela, which is equivalent to operetta or light opera.
He added that all these pieces carried a distinctive Spanish character, tracing back to deep popular and folkloric roots.
Ambassador Hern?ndez expressed his sincere appreciation to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters for their invaluable support in making the event possible, and to the staff of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre for their close cooperation with the Spanish Embassy team.
For his part, Assistant Secretary-General for Arts Sector at the NCCAL, Musaed Al-Zamel, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the Council consistently cooperates with Arab and international embassies in Kuwait to organize events such as cultural weeks, orchestras, and folk arts, as part of cultural cooperation and exchange agreements.
Al-Zamel stated that the event falls under the agreement Kuwait has had with the Kingdom of Spain since 2008.
He noted that the Spanish Embassy selected the ten-member ensemble to strengthen the artistic relations between the two countries, adding: "This beautiful soft power and cultural diplomacy solidify the relationship between Kuwait and Spain. This is cultural exchange at its best."
He pointed out that this year has been full of cultural events with a number of sisterly and friendly countries, noting that this is the role of the NCCAL in embracing creativity and welcoming creative initiatives from any culture-loving entity to support the cultural movement and season.
The Villa de Colmenar Viejo opened the concert by performing the national anthems of both Kuwait and the Kingdom of 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 famous musical works. (end)
mdm.ibi