ALGIERS- The stage of the 15th International Festival of Symphonic Music hosted on Saturday evening, at the Boualem-Bessaih Opera House in Algiers, three ensembles from Austria, Italy and Egypt, who delivered high-quality performances before a large audience.
In the presence of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria, the third evening of the festival, dedicated to symphonic music, featured performances by the Austrian trio "Accio Piano," the Italian chamber orchestra "Ferruccio Busoni," and the Cairo Symphony Orchestra (Egypt).
Warmly applauded by an enthusiastic audience, the Austrian trio, composed of Christina Scheicher (piano), Clemens Bock (violin), and Anne Sophie Keckeis (cello), performed several pieces, including works by Franz Schubert (1797–1828), the renowned Austrian composer, notably his famous "Sonata Movement," as well as "Soir et Matin" by Mel Bonis (1858–1937), and compositions by Joseph Haydn, another prominent 18th-century Austrian composer.
Arranged by Lotfi Saidi and brilliantly performed by the Austrian trio, "Ya Rayeh," the famous song about exile by the late Algerian chaabi artist Dahmane El Harrachi (1926–1980), was one of the highlights of the evening.
Taking over, the Italian chamber orchestra "Ferruccio Busoni" revisited works by major 20th-century composers, often associated with film music or tango, notably the Italian Ennio Morricone (1928–2020), composer of the soundtrack for the film "The Battle of Algiers," directed by his compatriot Gillo Pontecorvo.
Under the direction of conductor Massimo Belli, the ensemble also performed other works by distinguished composers, including the Argentine Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992) and the Italians Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901), Nino Rota (1911–1979), and Luis Bacalov (1933–2017).
The final part of this evening of universal music was led by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, which performed renowned works by composers such as Mozart and Edvard Grieg.
Under the direction of conductor Ahmed El Saedi, the Egyptian orchestra’s performance was enhanced by a soloist, bringing out arrangements infused with melodious oriental tones.
The 15th International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music runs until May 7th at the Algiers Opera House, with the participation of orchestras and ensembles from 21 countries, with the Czech Republic as guest of honor.
