The 11th edition of the Carthage Music Festival is scheduled to begin on Saturday at the Opera Hall in the City of Culture in Tunis, Tunisia. The festival will run until October 10, with a renewed strategic vision to transform it into a professional platform that supports the music industry and provides an international stage for emerging artists. This year's edition, overseen by Monther El Falah, promises a rich cultural and musical program.
The festival will feature 34 performances from 15 countries, including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Senegal, Chad, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, as well as Canada and Brazil. The events will be held in eight venues, including the iconic Habib Bourguiba Street in Tunis and seven spaces within the City of Culture. The program includes 26 selected performances out of 378 submissions, along with eight concerts proposed by the organizers.
The festival's lineup showcases a diverse range of musical genres and talents. The opening performance is promised to be a "musical surprise" that explores the relationship between humans and music. In contrast, the closing concert will feature Syrian artist Faya Younan. For the first time, the festival will also include a section called "Carthage Music Festival in Prisons," with the theme "The Same Rhythm of Freedom." This section will feature five performances, starting with a concert by female inmates at the Mahregha Center for Juvenile Delinquents.
Another innovation in this year's festival is the introduction of the "Carthage Music Festival in the Regions" section. A selection committee will choose three artistic projects to be presented in festivals across several Tunisian governorates, with three performances per project. This initiative aims to bring the festival closer to audiences in different regions. The festival also prioritizes supporting emerging artists and providing them with opportunities to meet international music professionals.
The festival will also host a workshop called "Carthage Music Festival Jazz Workshop" in partnership with the Marseille Jazz Coalition. The workshop will bring together around 30 professional jazz musicians for training and mentorship. In addition to the live performances, industry professionals will have the chance to engage in six daily meetings to discuss contemporary issues in the music sector.
The Carthage Music Festival has become a significant event in the cultural calendar, attracting music enthusiasts from across the globe. With its renewed vision and diverse program, this year's edition promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for both local and international audiences. The festival's organizers have worked tirelessly to curate a unique and captivating program that showcases the best of Tunisian and international music.
As the festival prepares to kick off, music fans are eagerly anticipating the performances and events that will take place over the next few days. With its focus on supporting emerging artists, promoting cultural exchange, and celebrating the richness of music, the 11th edition of the Carthage Music Festival is set to be an unforgettable experience.
Key points
- The festival features 34 performances from 15 countries.
- The event includes a section called "Carthage Music Festival in Prisons" with the theme "The Same Rhythm of Freedom."
- The festival also hosts a jazz workshop in partnership with the Marseille Jazz Coalition.
