Most Westerners don't know that Islam holds both Christ and the Virgin Mary in high esteem. Both are respected for the important historical roles they played in the development of Christianity and Islam alike. Despite often-divergent philosophies, this point in common made Sunday night's concert (June 8) at Bab Makina a spectacular example of cooperation and communion between two of the world's major religions.
The Byzantine Choir Tropos and the Muslim Ensemble Al Kindi combined forces under the direction of Julien Jallaledine Weiss to present "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" - a tribute honoring Mary, the mother of Christ.
The program opened with an A Capella performance by the Tropos Choir with hymns to the Holy Virgin. This was followed by the Ensemble Al Kindi backed by a full Oriental orchestra. A highlight of the performance by the always spectacular Turkish Whirling Dervishes made an already exceptional musical program visually stunning as well.
The dervishes, as they are popularly known in the West, originate from a sect known as the Melevi Order. The Semazens, or those who whirl, believe that a fundamental condition of existence is to whirl. The right hand of the whirler is raised to God, the left is held to the Earth and he chants the name of God in his heart.
Choir Tropos returned to join the Ensemble Al Kindi for a combined performance at the end of the program. This very enjoyable evening provided not only good music and great entertainment, but took to the heart of what the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is really all about.
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