Ensemble Madalena and Sami Yusuf Captivate Audiences at Fez World Sacred Music Festival

The 27th edition of the Fez World Sacred Music Festival commenced with a mesmerizing display of sacred chants and Sufi melodies, leaving audiences spellbound. On Saturday night, the ancient city of Fez witnessed two captivating performances celebrating the rich tapestry of sacred music traditions from across the globe.

As the evening sun cast its golden hues over the Jnan Sbil gardens, the 23-strong Ensemble Madalena, the Women's Choir of the Occitan Countries, took center stage. Directed by the talented singer and composer Manu Theron, the choir unveiled a contemporary interpretation of the "Cantilena of Sancta Maria Magdalena" from Marseille, a sacred chant whose score had been lost for over two centuries.

The audience, seated on carpets and chairs beneath a canvas shelter, swayed and clapped along as the intricate tapestry of French, Spanish, and Latin vocals wove a spell of enchantment. In a breathtaking display of interfaith harmony, Moroccan bendir players from the Ensemble Haïdouss d'Oulmès joined the choir, infusing Maghrebi rhythms into the religious choral singing.

One audience member, who had traveled from Canada, expressed their awe, stating, "This is the best way to celebrate our culture, to showcase our music, our songs, particularly the culture deeply rooted in Morocco, the Amazigh culture, and more. The collaboration between people from Spain and Morocco, singing, making music, and performing together, demonstrates the closeness of cultures."

As the night fell, crowds gathered in anticipation at the entrances of Bab Makina, eagerly awaiting one of the festival's most highly anticipated performers – the world-renowned Sufi musician, Sami Yusuf. With scenographic lights transforming the backdrop into stunning scenes of Persian and Andalusian architecture, Sami Yusuf and his all-star international ensemble, including Azerbaijani balaban player Magsad Azizov, took the stage.

The sold-out crowd was treated to a vibrant and colorful performance that lasted over an hour and a half, featuring a diverse vocal tapestry spanning Arabic, Spanish, Turkish, and English. Sami Yusuf's rich repertoire, including "Ilahana ma aadalak" and "Madad," captivated the audience, while pieces from Moroccan heritage, such as the famous Andalusian Arabic song "Lama bada yatathana" and the Sufi poem "Fiyachiya," added a touch of local flavor.

Accompanied by notable Moroccan singers and musicians, including Ismail Boujia, Nabyla Maan, and guitarist Tarik Hilal, Sami Yusuf introduced new compositions fusing East-West musical traditions, embodying the festival's theme of unity through diversity.

As the night drew to a close, the ancient city of Fez resonated with the harmonious melodies of sacred music, a testament to the power of artistic expression in bridging cultures and fostering understanding.