Jordi Savall Wows Fes ~ Once Again

Jordi Savall is no stranger to the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.  Described as the most celebrated viola da gambist in the world, Savall has delivered some of the most outstanding concerts the festival has witnessed. This afternoon, the Spanish musician lived up to that reputation performing at the Batha Museum

For this concert, Savall was joined by three other musicians, Moroccan Driss Al Maloumi playing the oud, Turkish born Hakan Gungor on the dulcimer, that dates back to the 9th century and percussionist Houcin Baqir.

Savall is the master of the 15th century viol the forerunner to the cello, and he and his instrument are as one as the Spanish musician used his bow delicately to play for an audience that was transfixed by his expertise.

The four musicians are clearly masters of their respective instruments. Together they produced a stunning concert with the musical repertoire ranging from medieval to Renaissance to Baroque. The performance was also a meeting of east and west with the group performing music from the great Eastern traditions.

Al Maloumi is also a seasoned vocalist and his soothing voice carried the audience back in time to another era.  His love of the oud was evident by the joy expressed on his face as he played the instrument.

It was obvious to the audience that the four musicians thoroughly enjoyed performing together and equally, the crowd loved the combination of these magical musical masters.

Text: Stephanie Kennedy
Photographs: Vanessa Bonnin

Tomorrow at the Fes Festival (Wednesday June 18)

Fez Forum at 9 at Batha Museum:  Round table: Canticle of the Birds, presentation of the work of Farid Ud-Din Attār
*Dar Batha 6pm : Conference on Opening Night

Nights in the Medina 8pm  & 10pm Dar Adiyel: The art of Melhoun
Dar Mokri 8pm & 10pm: Mor Kabasi - Spain
Batha Museum 9pm  Zakir Hussain -India
Festival in the City 4pm: Jnan Sbil Garden: Women of Meknes
Festival in the City 6.30pm Bab Boujloud Square: Laabi Orchestra
Sufi Night at Dar Tazi 11pm:  Sufi Sama -Rouh from Meknes
Tomorrow's Weather:  Cooler - Max 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 Fahrenheit) 
Fez Medina Map

The View from Fez is an official media partner of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

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