Algiers, Algeria – The “Beautiful Art” Association for Andalusian Music celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday in Algiers with a lively musical evening that brought together lovers of traditional art from various generations and schools.
A Cultural Celebration
The event, held at the Moufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture, was organized in collaboration with the Algerian Agency for Cultural Outreach. It featured performances by musical associations from diverse schools and well-known artists, aiming to strengthen bonds between musical generations while showcasing Algeria’s rich Andalusian musical heritage.
The evening opened with a performance by the Algerian Mosilia Association, one of the country’s oldest music groups, founded in 1930. Under the guidance of Professor Mahmoud Haj Ali, the group performed a selection of Andalusian songs, including “Tahya Bikum,” “Ashiqtuk Min Nathira,” and “Kulu Yawm Bashair,” culminating in the Andalusian classic “Sharibna Wa Tab.”
The New Generation Takes the Stage
In the second part of the event, students of the “Beautiful Art” Association, led by Hadi Boukoura, showcased their talents. They presented selections from Algeria’s classical repertoire, including Mejana and Aroubi, as well as a new musical piece composed by Boukoura himself.
Bridging Generations
Kareem Smar, a founding member of the association, highlighted the evening’s goal of connecting the old and new generations of musicians. “This artistic blending between an established association and a newly founded one underscores the continuity and shared commitment to preserving and promoting this noble art form within Algerian society,” he said.
Promoting Algeria’s Musical Heritage
Specializing in San’a (classical Algerian music), the “Beautiful Art” Association aims to preserve Algeria’s cultural and artistic heritage. Since October, it has offered music training for beginners, amateurs, and professionals at Dar Abdelatif in Algiers. Under the mentorship of Kareem Smar, Kareem Melzi, and Sheikh Hadi Boukoura, the association has enrolled over 60 students across three levels of instruction.
The association takes pride in teaching its students the intricate techniques of performing traditional styles such as Nuba, Hawzi, Mahjouz, Aroubi, and Baldi, ensuring the legacy of Algeria’s rich musical traditions is passed on to future generations.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
