The 11th edition of the Octobre Musical de Sousse cultural event will take place from October 10 to 24, 2026. This year's festival is dedicated to classical, symphonic, and opera music. The event is organized under the auspices of the Regional Delegation of Cultural Affairs of Sousse and in partnership with the Higher Institute of Music of Sousse (ISMS).
The festival will feature five concerts with various Tunisian formations and artists. The opening concert, "Fresques Symphoniques," will be performed by the Carthage Symphony Orchestra (CSO) under the direction of Hafedh Makni on October 10 at the Ali Douagi Culture House in Hammam Sousse. The program combines Western classical repertoire pieces with Mediterranean influences.
On October 15, the same venue will host the Arabic music concert "Ashwaq," performed by singer Sonia Ben Abdallah under the musical direction of Walid Mlechi. The festival will then move to the Higher Institute of Music of Sousse, where the public will discover "Sada" (Écho) on October 17. This project, led by composer Outail Moauia, fuses ambient electronic music with traditional sounds, featuring vocalist Mohamed Ali Chebil (Dali Chebil).
Opera will be highlighted on October 23 with the recital "Bariq El Opera" (L’Éclat de l’Opéra), performed by the Tunisian orchestral quartet SINFONIA under the direction of violinist and teacher-researcher Mohamed Amine Gasmi. The festival will close on October 24 at ISMS with a performance by singer and composer Bouthaina Nabouli, who will present her latest creation, "Doulicha."
The musical piece "Doulicha" revisits the national musical heritage through themes related to love and nostalgia, with arrangements and musical direction by Kais Melliti. All concerts are scheduled to start at 18h30. The festival offers a rich program that showcases a blend of traditional and modern musical styles.
This year's event promises to be an exciting celebration of music, bringing together talented artists and musicians. The festival's diverse program caters to various musical tastes, ensuring that there's something for everyone. With its rich cultural offerings, the Octobre Musical de Sousse is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
The event is a significant cultural milestone in Tunisia, promoting artistic expression and creativity. As the festival unfolds, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience, immersing themselves in the world of classical, symphonic, and opera music. The Octobre Musical de Sousse has solidified its position as a premier cultural event in the region.
Key points
- The festival features a mix of classical, symphonic, and opera music with five concerts showcasing Tunisian artists.
- The event is organized in partnership with the Higher Institute of Music of Sousse (ISMS) and under the auspices of the Regional Delegation of Cultural Affairs of Sousse.
- The festival will run from October 10 to 24, 2026, with all concerts starting at 18h30.
