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Review of the 14th Bahrain International Music Festival

admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:26:37 +0000

The 14th Bahrain International Music Festival which took place last year in November 5-11 brought in musicians from France, Palestine, Oman, Egypt and Iraq. I was only able to watch the performance oft he Manama Singers and Orchestra with their Haydn Imperial Nelson Mass and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.

Overall the performance was great. It was held in the newly built Cultural Hall. I can say that the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra with its conductor, Leif Sundstrup gave the best performance in the week long event. The Manama Singers also did an excellent job with their conductor Alistair Auld who is the formost conductor in the island kingdom.

There were several important guests, dignitaries and musicians alike. The President of the Royal Society of Music, Mr. Carrillo said that the performance made by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra was the best musical performance he has ever seen. The event was a success if their aim is to improve Cultural life in Bahrain. For a country with not much history in music, the Bahrain International Music Festival seems remarkable to have succeded with many people who attended.

Rhythmic Fusion at the Macau International Music Festival

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:26:31 +0000

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government presents the 22nd Macau International Music Festival (MIMF) from October 5th to November 2nd, 2008.

The Macau International Music Festival, since decades, has been bringing internationally renowned artists to Macau. Every year, performances at the Macau International Music Festival are of the highest order and offer a delicate balance of Eastern and Western forms of music. Along with promoting Macau tradition and culture, the Macau International Music Festival seeks to expose the communities in Macau to diverse musical forms, and in the process enrich the cultural experience in Macau. This year the focus is on opera, symphonic, choral and chamber music, as well as contemporary, folk, pop and jazz music.

The 22nd Macau International Music Festival will see none other than Britain’s National Orchestra – The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra giving the opening performance. This is their first performance at the Macau International Music Festival and it will be conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Leonard Slotkin. (5/10, at the Macao Cultural Center Grand Auditorium, 8pm). It is of course common knowledge that ever since its inception by Sir Thomas Beecham, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has, under his guidance and vision, been known to perform some of the greatest compositions the music world has ever heard.

The Macau International Music Festival will also see performances by the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada – The Grammy Award Winning (2008) Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, conducted by its Music Director, the British conductor Bramwell Tovey. (14/10, MCC-GA, 8pm) Joining this orchestra is the 28 year old Grammy Award winning violinist Hilary Hahn. Hilary Hahn, today, is one of the most sought after and acclaimed performers on the concert circuit.

The Macau International Music Festival promises to be more colorful and louder than ever with over seventeen different artists performing across genres as diverse as traditional, classical, pop, jazz and opera from different countries like Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Portugal, the USA, Canada, Australia and Mainland China.

Music lovers all over the world, be ready to experience Macau from a different perspective. You can enjoy the music, atmosphere and glamor while staying at a luxury Macau hotel. Macau is well known for its sophistication, so you’ll find nothing but the best in hotels such as the Sands Macao Resort Hotel.

44th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Roster of Films From More Than 45 Countries

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:28:16 +0000

Laura Silverman / Heather Connor

The Silverman Group, Inc.

312.932.9965 / 312.932.9911

laura@silvermangroupchicago.com

Lori Hile

Chicago International Film Festival

312.683.0121 ext. 103

publicity@chicagofilmfestival.com

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16 – 29, 2008, presented by Cinema/Chicago, will offer moviegoers the best new films from around the world, with several exciting additions, including a “Festival Village” and the launch of Green Screen, a program celebrating our natural environment, the power and artistry of filmmaking, and the intersection between the two. In its fifth decade, the Festival continues to present special appearances by legendary international actors and directors, along with the impressive film line-up for which the Festival is known. Audiences this year will be captivated by 116 feature films, 38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries, showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers. ”

For 44 years, we’ve been committed to taking you all across the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer, right here in Chicago for two weeks only,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival. “This isn’t your typical Saturday night out at the movies – these are once-in-a-lifetime events. And this year we’ve set up camp in a new Festival Village to create an even stronger sense of community where you can come out, see the films, meet the people who make them, mingle with your fellow film fans, and most importantly see the world in a whole new way.”

SCREENING LOCATIONS The 44th Chicago International Film Festival will screen films at four locations. The majority of films will be shown at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois Street, and AMC 600 N. Michigan 9, 600 N. Michigan Avenue. Both the Opening Night (October 16) and Closing Night (October 29) screenings take place at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive. Screenings of films in the Rediscovered and Restored Series will be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, on October 26, 27, and 28.

TICKETS Film Festival passes are on sale now. Individual tickets for the 44th Chicago International Film Festival screenings and events will go on sale the beginning of October. Passes and tickets can be purchased by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 312-902-1500.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO Cinema/Chicago, a not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization, presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program. For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Posted by: ERICK LASECA

Junior Board Member

Chicago International Film Festival

Edinburgh Festival

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:20:05 +0000

The Edinburgh Festival is celebrated in Edinburgh, Scotland during the month of August. Though the festivals are typically celebrated in August, there are a number of other festivals that are celebrated around the year. It is recorded as being the largest art festival in the world. It was established in 1947 by the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). One of the aims of this organization is to “Provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit”. The artistic goals vied for in the festival would also serve to attract tourists from all over the world.

It is considered as a very important cultural celebration. Typical activities during these festivals revolve around classical music, opera, theatre and dance. There is a very high standard of artistry involved, with the best artists all over the world being highly sought after. The EIF’s assigns an Artistic Director, whose job is to invite artists suitable enough to meet their standards.

The Hub, also known as the home of the EIF, was opened in the year 1999. It was formerly known as “The Highland Tooth”. It is considered to be the best place to find information on all of the festivals occurring. It is a towering Gothic Building situated near the Edinburgh Castle. It is a very popular tourist attraction, while serving as the focal point for the celebrations itself. There are ticketing centers and cafes, with a smattering of arts and craft. The Main Hall is host to a variety of events, namely concerts, banquets and parties. Ceilidhs, which are informal social gatherings involving Scottish folk music, dancing and storytelling, are also typical events.

There are many festivals during this period, with most happening simultaneously. Here is a list of the more well known of the festivals.

1. Edinburgh International Festival

This is the original festival started by the EIF to achieve its goals. Since then, it has been celebrated every August month. The festival pertains to performing arts, with only the most highly regarded artists from opera, theatre, music and dance being invited by the General Director to perform for the festival. There are also workshops and lectures throughout the year to further the spread of information regarding this festival.

2. Edinburgh Fringe

This festival, also known simply as “The Fringe”, is widely considered as the largest arts festival in the world. This event typically revolves around performing arts related to comedy and drama. Some theatre events involve the works of William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett. Unlike the other festivals, there is usually no selection committee approving entries, hence, there are a wider array of events possible. Because of this, experimental works are often performed in this festival.

3. Edinburgh International Book Festival

Taking place in the last few weeks of August, this book festival is located in Charlotte Square, which is situated near the center of Edinburgh. The festival is attended by renowned authors all over the world. Recent attendees include J.K. Rowling and Ian Rankin. In 2001, additional events such as debates and discussions were introduced to the program. Authors and tourists alike are able to participate in discussions regarding important issues all over the world.

Festivals in Murcia Make Spanish Holiday Villas Magnificent

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:20:29 +0000

A Spanish holiday at a luxury resort or villa has much to offer a traveler. Combine beautiful beaches, great food and good old-fashioned rest and relaxation with culture and you have the makings of a great vacation. Murcia offers all that to those who choose to visit the resorts of La Manga.
Festivals in Murcia are year-round. Pick a month and there is sure to be some type of festival to suit your needs. A well-known musical event is the Las Minas Flamenco Song Festival. This festival takes place in the mining town of La Union in July. The harbor town of Cartagena holds the La Mar de Musicas Festival every summer.
The International Festival de Mediterranean Folklore takes place over three days every September. This event brings many groups from all over the world to the region to celebrate its culture. They play music, spotlight traditions and perform dances to entertain and educate visitors to the festival.
Another wonderful festival is the International Festival of Theater, Music and Dance in Almansa. This festival features top performers from Spain and around the world. What’s unique about this festival is the way it displays classical works alongside modern works across the various disciplines represented.
January brings La Fiesta de las Cuadrillas in Murcia. This festival celebrates the present-day culture of the Murcia region and highlights the music common to the area. Every February sees the town of Aguilas celebrate with carnivals that have a 200-year tradition. These carnivals combine costumes and disguises with lots of music. The month of March has Las Incursiones Berberiscas, which takes place in Los Alcazares in Mar Menor. This three-day festival has music, dancing, games and a medieval market.
The town of Lorca celebrates Holy Week every April with many colorful processions that give tourists a closer look at the area’s religious traditions. Following the Holy Week processions are the Fiestas de Primavera. The month of May sees the town of Cieza in Murcia filled with crosses made from flowers for the Dia de la Cruz.
The period from June through December has the town of San Javier hosting many festivals. These include jazz, theater, music and dance. For even more variety, there are the celebrations of the Dia de los Santos in Calasparra. These have everything from open-air dances and floats to rice tasting and even a bull run.
In the town of Torre Pacheco, the Fiesta del Melon each July celebrates the cultivation of melons. In August, the small, quiet town of Aledo hosts festivals to commemorate its history. September sees Murcia giving its citizens and visitors the Feria de Murcia, a festival filled with concerts, bull runs and a very popular procession.
A Spanish holiday in La Manga offers a traveler access to all that goes on in the Murcia region. Of course, there’s the sun, surf and sand. Even with that, though, there’s always time for a museum, art gallery or festival. When you want to venture out from your apartment, villa or luxury resort accommodation, try the festivals Murcia has waiting for you.

The Edinburgh Festival Galore You Should not Miss

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:18:56 +0000

The Edinburgh Festival does not officially refer to a particular single festival event. Rather, it is a group or series of simultaneous cultural and arts festivals that take place every month of August in Edinburgh, Scotland. The festivals included are organized by several formally unrelated clubs or associations.

The Edinburgh Festival is known to be the world’s largest arts and cultural festival, which started in the year 1947, the time when the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) was founded. That same year, other theatrical companies organized their own events and joined the festivities. Since then, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and many other festivals have been established in this particular Scottish capital city.

Some of the festivals held in Edinburgh every August of the year include the following:

a. The Edinburgh International Festival – It is a performing arts festival in Edinburgh City, Scotland, which starts around mid-August and lasts for more than three weeks.

The General Director of the EIF invites top class performers of theater, dance, opera, and music (especially classical type of music) from all over the world. Aside from the performances on the Festival itself, there is also a range of outreach and education workshops, seminars, and lectures that happen throughout the year.

Common venues for the Edinburgh International Festival are The Hub, the Royal Lyceum Theater, The Queen’s Hall, the Festival Theater, the Usher Hall, and The Edinburgh Playhouse, which can house 420 up to 2,900 people.

b. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe – It is renowned as the largest arts festival in the world, which also takes place for three weeks every month of August.

The Fringe includes mostly of performing arts events, especially drama and comedy. However, the music and dance performing arts have the greatest significance. It showcases a vast variety of theatrical events, ranging from the classic works of ancient Greece, Samuel Beckett, and Shakespeare up to the contemporary works of today’s artists.

Any type of event is actually possible in this festival, primarily because no committee is set up to review entries for approval/rejection. Oftentimes, the Fringe presents experimental works that other more formal festivals may not include.

c. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo – This event also takes place every year, in the month of August, as part of the famous Edinburgh Festival. The festival features Military tattoos given by the Commonwealth, British Army, and International military teams and bands annually.

Festive Gujarat

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:19:36 +0000

Better known as the Land of Festivals and Fairs, Gujarat is a vibrant and eventful state in India. It is home to more than 3,500 festivals that take place throughout the year making it a place full of fun and activity.

Each festival and fair that takes place in Gujarat is different to each other and happens in different parts of the state. Much of these celebrations revolve around special events and seasons. Some events are based on the period of harvesting, religious events, long lived Indian traditions, change of season and so much more.

The many world renowned festivals and fairs in Gujarat have become a great way of exploring its diverse cultures, traditions, customs and beliefs. It is also an ideal way to savour the state’s mouth-watering cuisine. Thousands of travellers from all across the world visit Gujarat to see and be a part of the excitement of this unique Indian state.

Some of the most popular events that take place in the Land of Festivals and Fairs include the International Kite Festival, Holi, Mahadev Fair, Deepawali, Bhadra Purnima Fair and much more.

One of the most visited and popular festivals are the International Kite Festival. Recognised as one of the most colourful festivals, the International Kite Festival in Gujarat takes place each year on the 14th of January. Held in Ahmedabad, the Kite Festival started off as only a regional event until it became an international festival in 1989.

Yet another interesting festival in Gujarat is the Dance Festival of Modhera. This festival is the best place to explore the traditional and exclusive Gujarati dance and songs. The Ravechi Fair held each September takes place at the Ravechi Mata temple. It is estimated that over 30,000 visitors arrive in Gujarat just to attend the Ravechi Fair.

Travellers who wish to enjoy the many numerous festivals and fairs in Gujarat can stay at a nearby comfortable accommodation such as The Gateway Hotel Athwa Lines Surat which is a well appointed Gujarat hotel.

Enjoy The Festivities of Edinburgh

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:18:10 +0000

A common misconception with regard to the ‘Edinburgh Festival’ is that the festival is simply one large event, under one name. However, the Edinburgh Festival is, in fact, comprised of many different festivals – ranging from the Jazz and Blues Festival and the International Festival, to perhaps the most famous of the events – the Festival Fringe. Festival-goers have a range of events to pick from when visiting Scotland’s capital city during the summer months.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while the majority of the events within the Edinburgh Festival take place during August of each year, some festivals begin much earlier, while others run well into September. So, it’s important to do a bit of research regarding the festivals you’re interested in, taking special note of when each event is being held.

One of the earliest festivals under the ‘Edinburgh Festival’ umbrella is the International Film Festival. Running in June of each year, the Film Festival draws thousands of film fans to experience some of the industry’s freshest works.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world’s oldest continually-running film festival, having started in 1947. The event is famous for hosting initial screenings of renowned blockbusters such as Steven Spielberg’s ET and a number of Woody Allen Films, and continues to run a wide programme with international premieres and retrospectives.

Another recently added feature of the Film Festival includes a film study section – called ‘Scene by Scene’ – which has hosted celebrities such as Steve Martin and the Coen Brothers. The event is now viewed as on-par with the world-famous film festivals held in Cannes and Berlin and the diversity of the festival ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy – this is especially true if you consider yourself to be somewhat of a film fanatic. The 2009 Edinburgh Film Festival will run from June 17 – 28.

If you’re planning to attend the International Film Festival – or any of the other events for that matter – then you’ll want to ensure you make travel and hotel arrangements well in advance. Some half a million visitors flock to the city each summer for the festival events, making it more difficult to secure flights to Edinburgh – and hotel reservations – at a reasonable date.

So, it can be worthwhile planning in advance for your summer trip this year, especially if you want to experience one of the most world-renowned arts attractions.

Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music

admin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:15:53 +0000

Thailand is wondrous, an amazingly different place when it comes to culture, tradition, customs and history. But, while on the outlook it may seem very different to a western traveler, there are many modern aspects in the country too. Bangkok is among the most visited destinations in the world and the reason for this is its wide variety of things to do and places to see. One such crowd-drawing event that’s been taking place for a decade now is the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music.

The Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music is a breathtakingly beautiful collection of performances. Over 800 special artistic performers are flown in from several countries and these countries include Russia, Italy, Netherlands, France and Spain. In conjunction with Thai artistic performances, the festival puts on a spectacular gala of ballet, opera, jazz, modern dance, symphony orchestra and pop music for everyone to enjoy. The Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music is hosted annually by Thailand’s Cultural Center.

The concept for this festival arose from a dire need to put Thailand in the world’s cultural destinations map and also as a way to reintroduce culture into Bangkok, which was rapidly becoming modernized. There was no cultural aspects in the big city’s entertainment and daily life, so the steps were taken to introduce the first Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music in 1999. The festival was dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol as an honor on his 6th cycle birthday.

From its inception, the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music has been a huge success, drawing acclaimed international performers and a massive local and tourist crowd each year. The festival is held between September and October of each year, and the venue and ticket prices vary annually. Tickets are available through Thailand’s Cultural Center.

If you are planning on visiting Thailand for the festival or a vacation, consider Bangkok serviced apartments for your accommodation. Bangkok hotel accommodation can be expensive, especially during events and the tourist season, so Bangkok serviced apartments can provide you with great accommodation, facilities and services for less than half the cost you would pay for a major hotel.

137 My Space » international festival

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