KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah attended a concert by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra on Sunday at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Music Hall within the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center (JACC), marking the “Moscow Seasons in Kuwait” festival. The event was also attended by Minister of Information, Culture and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi and Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov.
Sheikh Hamad welcomed the orchestra and praised the performance, which received a warm reception from the audience. He highlighted the significance of hosting cultural events as a bridge for the Kuwaiti public to experience Russian arts and culture, reinforcing bilateral cultural exchange. Sheikh Hamad also noted the historical ties between Kuwait and Russia, dating back to the first Russian mission to Kuwait in 1901 and emphasized the commitment of both countries to further develop cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Amir’s upcoming visit to Russia for the first Russian-Arab Summit on October 15, Sheikh Hamad added, provides a key opportunity to strengthen historical relations, enhance collaboration in various fields, and discuss regional and international developments. Minister Al-Mutairi said the concert reflected the distinguished relations between Kuwait and Russia, highlighting Kuwait’s efforts, under the directives of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister, to enhance cultural and tourism cooperation.
A scene from the Moscow Symphony Orchestra concert.
He described the event as a platform for cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation of art and creativity, adding that it follows the recently held Kuwaiti Cultural Week in Moscow, which introduced the Russian public to Kuwait’s rich heritage. “The evening provides a new window for the Kuwaiti public to experience authentic Russian music, reinforcing Kuwait’s role as a hub for international cultural exchange,” Al-Mutairi said. He also thanked the Moscow government and officials involved in organizing the event, expressing hope for continued initiatives to deepen cultural ties between the two nations.
Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov described the concert as a reflection of Russia’s rich musical heritage and an opportunity for the Kuwaiti public to engage with Russian culture. Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee, Bulat Nurmukhanov, said the festival offered a unique chance to present Moscow’s ancient culture, strengthen bilateral friendship, and showcase the city’s traditions, coinciding with World Tourism Day.
The Moscow Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Ivan Rodin, performed excerpts from the ballets The Firebird and The Nutcracker, as well as the symphonic suite Scheherazade, inspired by One Thousand and One Nights. Guests also enjoyed the traditional “Moscow tea” ritual and a photo zone featuring historical costumes from the “Moscow Palaces Festival.” The “Moscow Seasons in Kuwait” festival, organized by the Moscow Tourism Committee with support from the Russian Embassy in Kuwait, was held from September 25 to 27 at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center and The Avenues mall, offering visitors a rich experience of Moscow’s traditions and cultural heritage. — KUNA