Spain honored at the 27th Festival of Sacred World Music in Fez

The 27th edition of the Festival of the World Sacred Music will take place in Fez Under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, from May 24th to June 1st, 2024. Under the theme "The Quest for the Al-Andalus Spirit," the festival has chosen to highlight the period of peaceful coexistence of the religions of the Book in Andalusia from the 8th to the 15th century, considered a "Golden Age" whose spirit continues in Morocco.

This new edition will honor Spain through a program, performances, and artistic collaborations from both countries, showcasing the historical and friendly ties that bind the peninsula and Morocco for a better future, according to the organizers.

Once again, Fez is proud to welcome the world. Through an embellished city and its beautifully restored medina, the Festival of Sacred Music will allow rediscovery of prestigious sites, gardens, and magical places, such as the medersas and foundouks of a millennial city, the spiritual capital of the Kingdom.

The ancient monumental gate of the Royal Palace, Bab Makina, will host on Friday, May 24th, the traditional opening creation: "Zyriab and the Fifth String," an evocation of the mythical poet and musician of the Andalusian epic, Abou Al-Hassan Ali Ibn Nâfi, known as "Zyriab."

Carried by spectacular scenography and light projections, this journey to the sources of inspiration of Andalusian music will bring together artists from Uzbekistan, Iran, Syria, India, Spain, Egypt, Italy, Armenia, France, and Morocco.

True to the spirit of Fez, this edition will offer an eclectic program open to the cultures and spiritualities of the world. This 27th festival will bring together renowned musicians such as the great Sufi music star Sami Yusuf, the virtuoso flamenco artist Vicente Amigo, as well as original musical creations such as Yatra-Safar, promising a spiritual journey from the palaces of Rajasthan to the gates of Andalusia, or the Stabat Mater concert, conducted by Maestro Paolo Olmi. 

The festival will conclude in style on Saturday, June 1st, at Bab Makina with the Gospel Philarmonic Experience, bringing together the great American diva Kim Burrell, accompanied by the Contemporary Orchestral Ensemble conducted by Pascal Horecka.