Sharjah to ‘light up’ world with five performances of Clusters of Light

Sharjah (WAM): The executive committee of Sharjah Consultative Council (SICC) 2014 revealed that more than 500 journalists, broadcasters and media executives will arrive in Sharjah to report on the ground-breaking oratorio Clusters of Light, which has its première performance on March 26 at the new Open Majaz Island Amphitheatre. Media from around the world are eager to hear about the theatrical blockbuster, which marks Sharjah’s inauguration as Islamic Culture Capital 2014. Based on a poem by Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi of Saudi Arabia, with music by Bahraini composer Khalid Al Sheikh in collaboration with musicians from across the globe, Clusters Of Light features four of the finest singers currently in the Arabic-speaking regions: Emirati Hussain Al Jasmi, Tunisian Lotfi Bouchnak, Egyptian Ali Hajjar, and Palestinian Mohammed Assaf. Speaking to reporters at a Press briefing, Shaikh Ahmed bin Sultan al Qasimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital 2014 celebrations, said: “This show is a message from Sharjah to the world. With more than 500 media now in attendance, we will have the ideal platform to transmit that message to the four corners of the globe.” The five performances of Clusters of Light from March 26 to April 5 will send the audience on a journey back in time, said Shaikh Al Qasimi. The official venue for Sharjah’s celebrations at being named Islamic Culture Capital 2014 is the first venue of its kind in the region: A semi-circular amphitheatre spanning an area of more than 7,200 square metres and built at a cost Dh140 million. The venue can accommodate up to 4,500 spectators and features a vast viewing platform, through which artists ascend, as well as a state-of-the-art audio system. A Dh13 million bridge between the island and Khalid Lagoon Street enables easy access for visitors. – Khaleej Times – Read more: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2014/March/nationgeneral_March145.xml§ion=nationgeneral