Clôture de la 14e édition du Festival culturel international de musique symphonique
14th International Festival of Symphonic Music Concludes in Algiers
The 14th edition of the International Festival of Symphonic Music wrapped up on Wednesday evening at the Opéra d’Alger Boualem-Bessaih with an enchanting concert featuring the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Orchestra from Italy, alongside the talented Austrian duo of Yury Revich and Theodosia Ntokou.
Notable attendees at the closing ceremony included Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, the High Commissioner for Digitalization, Meriem Benmouloud, and the ambassadors of Italy and Austria, as well as various members of the diplomatic community in Algeria. The evening was filled with a selection of compositions from celebrated symphonic composers such as Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, and Antonio Vivaldi.
Over the span of nearly three hours, the Austrian duo—Revich on violin and Ntokou on piano—performed a range of beloved pieces from the universal classical repertoire. Their selections included Maurice Ravel’s "Sonata for Violin and Piano" and Pablo de Sarasate’s "Carmen Fantasy," which were met with great enthusiasm from the audience.
The second part of the evening featured the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Orchestra. They were joined by sopranos Angelica Lapadula and Sveva Pia Laterza, along with tenor Paolo Mascari, to present an array of Italian musical pieces. Highlights included selections from Rossini’s "The Barber of Seville," Bellini’s "Casta Diva," and works by Puccini and Verdi, as well as excerpts from Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons."
Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the 14th International Festival of Symphonic Music brought together over 300 musicians from 17 different countries. Venezuela, the guest of honor, contributed to the festival’s international flavor, while performances also took place at venues in Oran and Koléa, including the Oran Regional Theater and the Cultural and Arts House in Koléa.
In addition to performances, the festival provided a training program aimed at students from regional music training institutes. This included masterclass workshops led by musicians and scholars from various countries, enriching the educational experience for aspiring artists.
Overall, the festival not only celebrated symphonic music but also fostered cultural exchange and musical education, solidifying its reputation as a significant cultural event in Algeria’s artistic landscape.
