Fez - May 15, 2025 -(MAP) - The 28th edition of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, scheduled to take place from May 16 to 24 under the theme "Renaissances," will spotlight Italy as the guest of honour.
According to a press release from the Esprit de Fès Foundation, the festival’s organizer, this choice reflects "the spirit of Morocco, a land of cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal," with the festival’s theme echoing the Italian "Rinascimento" movement, which marked a major transition towards modernity in European history between the late 14th and early 16th centuries.
This artistic diplomacy initiative "links two nations united by a strong dynamic of cooperation," the press release notes, recalling the historic twinning of Fez and Florence, established in 1961, which symbolizes a shared vision of culture as a foundation of civilization.
In this context, a unique partnership has been initiated between the Fez Festival and the Monteverdi Festival of Cremona. Organizers highlight that the Monteverdi Festival, regarded as one of the most prestigious events dedicated to Baroque music, will hold its 42nd edition from June 13 to 29 in the birthplace of Claudio Monteverdi, an iconic figure in sacred music.
On Saturday, May 17, the main stage at Bab Makina will host the performance of the "Vespers of the Blessed Virgin," Monteverdi’s first sacred music composition from 1567, built around biblical texts traditionally associated with Marian feast liturgies. This highly innovative work of the late Renaissance introduces new vocal techniques, including surprising echo and repetition effects.
Quoted in the release, Abderrafia Zouitene, President of the Esprit de Fès Foundation, stated that it is "an honour to revive the close ties between the cities of Fez and Florence, two sublime cities that, over time, have built bridges between cultures and eras."
"Fez, founded in the 8th century and symbolized by Al Quaraouiyine—the oldest university in the world—was a hub of knowledge throughout Africa and the Mediterranean. he added, noting that, likewise, Florence, a cultural and artistic epicentre, "greatly contributed to the transmission of ancient knowledge and to the emergence of a renewed vision of the world through the extraordinary period of the Renaissance."
Also quoted in the press release, Italian Ambassador to Rabat, Armando Barocco, affirmed that "Italy and Morocco share a rich history in the Mediterranean basin, as well as a mutual love for art, seen as one of the highest forms of spirituality."
He emphasized that "this concert represents a significant step in the dialogue between the two countries: a meeting of two great musical traditions united in their shared quest for beauty, spirituality, and mutual understanding among peoples."
"We are extremely proud to contribute to the convergence of these two events, which are founded on common values of openness and sharing," Barocco added, stressing that "it is both an honour and a great responsibility for Italy to take part in such a symbolic moment in the magnificent city of Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco, known for its peaceful coexistence of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity."
He also recalled that "Fez holds a special place in Italian history, as reflected in the commitment and diplomatic efforts of Giorgio La Pira, twice mayor of Florence, a great intellectual, and a leading figure of Italian Catholicism.”
