‘Jazz at the Island’ festival to thrill Sharjah
- 3 hours ago
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Sharjah is set to come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz this December as the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announces the ‘Jazz at the Island’ festival, a captivating celebration of music, culture, and community that will transform Sharjah's iconic island destinations into stages for six world-class performances over three days.
This year, the inaugural festival features two spectacular events, beginning at Al Noor Island on December 6th and 7th, followed by an enchanting performance by Le Trio Joubran at Flag Island on December 14th.
Al Noor Island and The Flag Island, two of Shurooq’s iconic landmarks, are set to come alive with the vibrant rhythms of jazz during a three-day musical extravaganza. Nestled amidst the serene waters of Khalid Lagoon, these stunning venues offer an idyllic setting for guests to immerse themselves in the captivating melodies of this timeless genre.
Indulge in the timeless sounds of jazz
On the first day at Al Noor Island on the 6th December, 2024, attendees will be treated to performances by French Algerian artist ‘Nesrine’, whose evocative vocals and mastery of the cello have earned her international praise.
The acclaimed Italian a capella group ‘Mezzotono’ will also captivate audiences with their vocal harmonies, creativity, and humour, as well as hosting an immersive workshop earlier that day. Bringing local energy to the fold, ‘Sens8tion’, a vocal ensemble from the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), will also deliver an engaging jazz performance, filled with rhythm and theatrical flair.
On the second day happening on 7th December, 2024, the award-winning Lebanese singer ‘Tania Kassis’ will perform, enchanting the audience with her unique fusion of Arabic melodies and jazz. Additionally, Serbian singer, songwriter, and pianist ‘Aleksandra Krstic’ will showcase her soulful style, blending contemporary and classical influences.
Attendees can also engage in a piano workshop with Egyptian pianist, composer and educator Rami Attallah, offering a chance to learn more about the intricate rhythms and techniques that make jazz such a beloved genre.
Le Trio Joubran at Flag Island
The ‘Jazz at the Island’ festival will end on a high note with a spectacular finale at Flag Island on 14th December, 2024, showcasing Le Trio Joubran. This globally celebrated Palestinian trio — brothers Samir, Wissam, and Adnan Joubran — are known for their exceptional mastery of the oud.
Their music, a rich blend of traditional Arabic melodies and contemporary influences, tells powerful stories of culture and resilience. Their internationally acclaimed work includes the album AsFâr, which has received widespread praise for its depth and artistry.
Sharjah’s cultural leadership
Commenting on the festival, Khuloud Salim Al Jneibi, Director of Corporate Events at “Shurooq”, stated, “Through initiatives like ‘Jazz at the Island,’ Shurooq reaffirms its commitment to enhancing Sharjah’s position as a leading destination for cultural tourism and world-class events.
Sharjah offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern innovation, and events such as this allow us to showcase the emirate’s distinct identity on a global stage. By hosting performances from internationally acclaimed artists, we continue to bridge tradition and modernity, offering visitors an experience that resonates deeply with Sharjah’s vision of fostering creativity and cultural exchange.”
Unique cultural celebration
Organised by Shurooq in collaboration with ‘Real Music’ — founded by the renowned Qanoon player and composer Furat Qaddouri — in collaboration with SPAA, the Jazz at the Island Festival is an unmissable cultural highlight of the year.
Tickets for the festival at Al Noor Island on December 6th and 7th, 2024, are now on sale, with prices as follows: Festival Entry (without dinner) is Dhs100 for a one-day pass, Festival Entry (with dinner) is Dhs250 for a one-day pass, and a Two-Night Entry (with dinner on both nights) is Dhs450. Audiences are encouraged to book early to ensure they don't miss out on this unique cultural celebration. For more details and to book your tickets, visit: https://sharjah.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/95856/jazz-at-the-island.
Tickets for the highly anticipated performance by Le Trio Joubran at The Flag Island will be released soon, with further details to follow.
