Ahmadi Music Group performs classical music at JACC

AUK 80-member choir very international

KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Ahmadi Music Group, the oldest and largest performing arts organisation in Kuwait, appeared at the Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre this evening in a performance of classical music. The orchestra consisted of experienced professionals from many different countries, some resident in Kuwait and others visiting from outside. The choir filled the stage with over 80 singers, also very international.

The principal works were the 4th Symphony by Beethoven, and the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. Observers believe that this is the first time that a classical symphony has been played from start to finish, perhaps ever in the history Kuwait.

The 4th Symphony is mostly a cheerful piece, without the anguish and torment that characterise Beethoven’s later works. The subtle and characteristic interplay between string sections and woodwind sections was in good evidence here, with both sides handling fast tempos and abrupt dynamic changes comfortably.

The soloists in the Fauré were soprano Anna Karadimitrova, who is well-known to Kuwait audiences for her many public appearances over the last ten years, and Miles Horner, Baritone, returning after his performance in last year’s production of Don Giovanni with the Ahmadi Music Group.

Fauré gives a gentle and melodic account of the Requiem text, without the bombast and thunder of other Requiems. He gives unusual prominence to the choir, whose melodic lines and gentle phrasing put us more in mind of the restful joys of Heaven than the terrors of Hell.

Ahmadi Music Group began its life in the 1950’s as a community choir for KOC employees. Over the last ten years it has expanded its artistic ambitions, performing large-scale oratorios and fully-staged operas; forming a symphony orchestra; and bringing in international professionals in key roles.

In the last few years, it produced Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Bizet’s Pearl Fishers, and the Verdi Requiem.

Ahmadi Music Group performs at Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center.