Sharjah World Music Festival 2018 begins on Saturday

Sharjah: The fifth edition of the emirate’s highly-anticipated annual music event, the Sharjah World Music Festival (SWMF 2018), begins on Saturday night, with an opening act by one of the finest Flamenco guitarists in the world, Vicente Amigo, at the Flag Island Amphitheatre. This will be accompanied by a free outdoor concert at two locations in Sharjah, the Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba.

Flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo will inaugurate the fifth edition with a captivating live performance, the ‘Andalusian Night’, during which he will take audiences on a journey into a realm of magical music.

The one-week event brings together a stellar array of singers and musicians from 11 Arab and foreign countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, Spain, Argentina, Ukraine, Hungary, and others

The artistes will be performing at four venues in Sharjah — Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Al Majaz Waterfront, The Flag Island Amphitheatre and Al Qasba. The performances will take place every evening from 8:30-9:30pm until January 19.

Al Majaz Waterfront will welcome Iraqi composer, guitarist and songwriter, Saif Shaheen (right), known for his fusion of Eastern and Western melodies and his exploration of themes of belonging and estrangement. He incorporates a broad range of sounds in his work, influenced by acts such as the Beatles. Shaheen has six albums, including the hugely popular ‘Beloved’.

Syrian artiste Sara Al Houshi together with Ukrainian musician, Jenny, will perform ‘Harmony’ — an act that bridges Eastern and Western tunes, at Al Qasba.

On the sidelines of the festival, 12 young singers from different nationalities will be competing at the SWMF 2018 singing competition at Masrah Al Qasba Theatre at 6:30pm, every day. The contest is open for public viewing and aims to nurture and showcase young musical talent in the emirate in a fun environment.

Sharjah World Music Festival is presented by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in a strategic partnership with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and Al Majaz Amphitheatre, and organised by Furat Qaddouri Music Centre.

Festival details

Tickets for the five ticketed concerts out of the 14 that will take place during SWMF 2018, are available online at www.ticketmaster.ae.

They can also be purchased at customer service counters at Masrah Al Qasba Theatre, The Flag Island Amphitheatre, Al Majaz Amphitheatre and Al Majaz Waterfront.

Every evening from 8:30-9:30pm.

The festival runs until January 19.