The opening evening featured artistic performances by the “Granada” Orchestra, one of the oldest Andalusian music schools, led by Maestro Mohamed Cherif Saudi. This was followed by the “Beautiful Art” Orchestra from Algiers, concluding with a performance by artist Hamido. In her opening speech, read on her behalf by the Secretary-General of the Ministry, Sayed Ali Sebaa, the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, asserted that Andalusian music is “more than just a show,” but rather a “crucible where pain and hope blend and a space where aspirations are expressed.” She praised the “great return” of this festival after an eight-year hiatus, stating that organizing this 11th edition “reaffirms Algeria’s commitment to its musical heritage.” In the same context, Bendouda continued that this prestigious event, which has attracted a large audience over the years, has become a “meeting place for generations and a space where veteran musicians and emerging talents interact,” celebrating authenticity and giving new momentum to the music scene.
In conclusion, the Minister noted that this edition will be an “opportunity to deepen the sense of belonging to a heritage that continues to prove its vitality and ability to transcend time.” The festival’s commissioner, Ahsan Guida, told “Sputnik” that “the festival holds great musical and artistic significance, as it is a space for musicians to meet in this Andalusian heritage, which he considers a “pillar of awareness and resistance,” especially as it coincides with the commemoration of the demonstrations of December 11, 1960.” He added that the novelty is the return of the festival, and between the tenth and the 11th edition, there is an extension in the national territory of Andalusian associations, which have their audience, as it is ingrained in the Algerian consciousness from east to west, and it is a heritage music that carries a kind of nobility. Therefore, preserving it has become a duty for art and culture people through education, training, and passing the torch from generation to generation.
Boualem Khourouj, President of the Granada House Association, said that “the role of Andalusian associations is to preserve the music from extinction and pass it on to new generations interested in Andalusian art.” He added that preserving art requires teaching it correctly to new generations through inherited recordings without introducing modifications that harm the art in general.
This festival, which continues until December 15, hosts 13 associations and musicians from various parts of Algeria, especially Blida, Jijel, Mostaganem, Tiaret, Tipaza, as well as Algiers. In parallel with these musical concerts, prominent artists will be honored for their contributions to Andalusian music and its preservation, along with organizing a photo exhibition showcasing the journeys of masters and teachers in Andalusian music.
