I joined primary school students for a special educational concert at the Bahrain National Theatre yesterday.
Organised by the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by maestro Dr Mubarak Najem, the initiative was aimed at fostering a love for the nation’s musical culture among school students.
Dr Najem speaking to the audience
The event also recognised the vital role of art in nurturing generations that appreciate creativity and beauty.
It was organised by the orchestra in co-operation with the Education Ministry and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) for public and private primary school students.
The musical experience provided the young generation an introduction to the orchestra’s classical instruments and how they sounded, while also playing a variety of tunes.
A notable attendee was Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma.
The concert began with the Bahraini national anthem, followed by Carmen by Georges Bizet, a recognisable 1875 French classic.
The maestro also presented an educational segment offering a simplified theoretical and practical introduction to orchestral musical instruments, in addition to explaining the nature of music and its fundamental elements.
Dr Najem began explaining the four instrumental groups: strings (violin, viola, cello, bass and harp), woodwinds (flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe and piccolo), brass (trombone, trumpet, French horn and tuba) and percussion (drums and piano).
Band member introducing the bassoon instrument
The instruments within each group were introduced through modern musical pieces such as the Game of Thrones theme on strings, Super Mario on the bassoon and the Walt Disney Pictures intro on piano.
A highlight for me personally was when the orchestra played a medley that included the Tom and Jerry and The Simpsons themes, as I grew up watching these two shows and find their soundtracks to be some of the most iconic of all time. I honestly got chills and was smiling big.
Another fun moment was when a band member introduced the trombone by playing Baby Shark, which had the students roaring with excitement and laughter, and clapping along to the song.
The audience watching the orchestra
Overall, I had a great time learning about the orchestra alongside the students, as I did not have the chance to attend something similar during my school years.
This is not the first time I attend a concert by Dr Najem and his band, but hearing live music is always a joyful time, and classical music has its own charm that cannot be replicated by other types of musical shows.
I think the initiative overall reflects the Education Ministry’s recognition and appreciation of music, and the importance of teaching it to young people in hopes that they would find interest in pursuing the art form.
Rima Al Haddad
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