What’s On
January 2019
February 2019
The Music School (August-September)
The new term of the Music School begins from 26 August to 19 September, with classes every Saturday and Wednesday.
The new term of the Music School begins on 26 August and runs until 19 September, with classes every Saturday and Wednesday. The School welcomes participants aged 14 and above and offers both individual and group classes under the guidance of a distinguished team of academic specialists in a wide range of Eastern and Western instruments, in addition to Arabic singing, vocal training, and operatic singing. Joining the Music School this term are Amani Al Hajji (Contemporary singing) Abdulrahman Jaafar (violin), and Waleed Shokry (qanun).
The course consists of eight 50-minute training sessions and includes eight solfège classes (music notation reading), held at 6:00 PM for all students, except those enrolled in Arabic singing and guitar. The programme also includes a lecture on music culture and history.
For registration and more information, please visit JACC website or mobile app.
Songs For Kuwait
A concert featuring the most beloved songs dedicated to Kuwait by the greatest Arab voices, performed by Adel Al Mass, Abdulaziz Al Mesbah and Saud Al Fayez.
On 30 August, the Drama Theatre will host “Songs For Kuwait”, an evening revisiting some of the most celebrated songs performed for Kuwait by leading Arab singers, from patriotic to romantic songs, with lyrics and music by Kuwaiti and Arab artists. The songs will be performed by Adel Al Mass, Abdulaziz Al Mesbah and Saud Al Fayez, accompanied by the musical ensemble conducted by Dr Mohamed Al Buaijan.
The rich legacy of Arabic and Kuwaiti song includes works performed by some of the twentieth century’s greatest voices. Among them are Umm Kulthum, who sang “Ya Darna Ya Dar’ and “Ard Al Judood”, while Farid Al Atrash presented “Ya Marhaba Ya Kuwaitna” and “Ard Al Kuwait”. Abdel Halim Hafez recorded more songs in the Kuwaiti dialect than any other Arab singer, making them a unique chapter in his career. His repertoire includes “Ya Farhat Al Summar”, “Aini Danaha Al Sahar”, “Ya Hali”, “Min Al Jahra lel Salmiya”, “Ya Layali Al Eid” and “Ya Ahl Al Kuwait”. Najat Al Saghira also sang “Baladi Al Mahboub” and “Ya Sahel Al Fintas”. Kuwait was also celebrated in song by Najah Salam, Alia Al Tunisiyya and many others.
The concert will feature many of these cherished classics alongside other memorable songs, bringing the 18th edition of the Summer Cultural Festival, organised by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, to a memorable close.
Mohamed Fadl Shaker
The Lebanese singer opens the new cultural season with a wide selection of his father’s songs alongside his own repertoire.
In his second appearance at the Centre, Lebanese singer Mohamed Fadl Shaker opens the new cultural season on 10 September with a concert at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Concert Hall. Accompanied by the musical ensemble conducted by Bassem Numeir, he will perform a wide selection of his father’s beloved songs alongside his own repertoire.
Mohamed Fadl Shaker has established himself as one of the leading young voices in Arabic music in recent years, building a successful career. With his strong voice and heartfelt performances, he has captivated audiences of all ages, resulting in sold-out concerts, including his first performance at the Centre in July 2025 and his most recent concert in Cairo last May. He launched his musical career in 2017 with the release of his debut single, “Ana Ya Jrouhi”, followed by a string of successful songs, including “Lamma Tehen”, “Ma Bkeet”, “Khalasit Al Qissa”, “Shakhs Ma”, and “Ya Hayati”. Audiences can look forward to hearing many of these songs, together with a selection of his father’s works, in this upcoming concert.
Ya Ahl Al-Samer
A musical evening celebrating various forms of Kuwaiti heritage, performed by the choir and the musical ensemble conducted by Dr Khaled Noori.
Samri songs have long held a special place in the hearts of Kuwaitis, becoming an essential part of celebrations, gatherings, and outdoor get-togethers throughout the year. Their distinctive rhythms have filled evenings of singing and shared joy, where voices come together to celebrate one of Kuwait’s most cherished musical traditions. Following the success of Ya Ahl Al-Samer summer 2025, the experience returns at the beginning of our new cultural season.
On 14 September, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Concert Hall will host a second edition of the popular concert, celebrating well-known Samri songs performed by the choir and the musical ensemble under the direction of Dr Khaled Noori. The programme features a selection of classic Samri songs once performed by great Kuwaiti singers such as Abdullah Fadhala and Aisha Al-Marta, among others. It also showcases distinguished examples of the Khumari, Ashouri, and Qadri styles, popularised by voices like Awad Salem, Ouda Al-Muhanna, and more.
Ayedh
The popular Saudi singer returns to Kuwait at the beginning of the new 2026/27 cultural season for his second concert at the Centre.
Saudi singer Ayedh Yousef returns to the Centre at the start of our new cultural season for his second concert on its stage, taking place at the National Theatre on 18 September. One of the leading voices among contemporary Khaleeji singers, Ayedh has established himself as a prominent figure on the regional music scene through his distinctive style and heartfelt performances. In 2024, he was named “Favourite Artist’ at the “Joy Awards”, further cementing his status as one of the Arab world’s most popular young stars.
In this upcoming concert, Ayedh celebrates the release of his latest single, “Saddeit Muta’ammed” (Deliberately Turned Away), which has topped digital music platforms since its release last May, following last year’s celebration with his audience at the Centre for the release of his album “Ayedh 2025”. He will perform a wide selection of both his latest releases and his classic favourites, accompanied by a musical ensemble conducted by Ahmed Taha, in a concert that promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Mohamed Mohsen in Al Maghna Hayat Al Rouh
Acclaimed Egyptian singer takes us on a musical journey told through song, from Sayed Darwish to the present day, accompanied by a traditional ensemble conducted by maestro George Kolta.
The upcoming cultural season welcomes several stars making their first appearances on our stages, among them Egyptian singer Mohamed Mohsen, renowned for amazing voice. On 24 September, Mohsen makes his Centre debut at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Concert Hall with “Al Maghna Hayat Al Rouh” (Music, the Life of the Soul) concert, accompanied by a traditional ensemble conducted by George Kolta.
The talented Egyptian singer will perform a selection of classics that have shaped the musical memory of generations for more than a century, in an evening celebrating the heritage of Arabic music through the voice of one of the leading singers of his generation.
Alongside his successful original albums and singles, Mohamed Mohsen has distinguished himself through his passion for reviving the Arabic musical heritage and presenting it in a classical style that preserves its spirit and character. In his first encounter with audiences at the Centre, he takes us on a musical journey told through songs, from Sayed Darwish to the present day, exploring the connection between songs, melodies and life, while sharing some of the stories behind these cherished classics.
Elissa
The Lebanese star meets the Centre’s audience for the first time, accompanied by a large musical ensemble conducted by renowned maestro Hani Farhat.
Beloved Lebanese star Elissa opens an eventful October at the Centre as we mark our 10th anniversary with a season of special celebrations. In a long-awaited concert, she takes to the National Theatre stage for the first time on Friday, 2 October. Despite her extensive musical career, which began in the late 1990s, Elissa has never performed at any of the Centre’s venues since its opening. For this special concert, she will be accompanied by a large musical ensemble conducted by renowned maestro Hani Farhat.
In her upcoming concert, the acclaimed singer, known for her emotive style, will perform a selection of her most beloved songs, alongside tracks from her latest album, “Ana Sekketen”, released in 2024. The concert also marks Elissa’s return to Kuwait after an absence, with her last performance in the country taking place in the summer of 2023.
The Beatles Symphonic Fantasy
The Beatles’s magic is brought to life in a contemporary orchestral experience, featuring Maestro Damián Mahler’s acclaimed arrangements.
For fans of the legendary British band The Beatles, the National Theatre hosts an extraordinary musical experience this October, titled “The Beatles Symphonic Fantasy”, which celebrates their enduring legacy through an innovative orchestral vision combining the power of symphonic arrangements with the spirit of one of the most influential bands in music history. The show brings together a 13-piece classical orchestra and Maestro Damián Mahler’s acclaimed arrangements, presenting some of the band’s most beloved songs in a fresh interpretation that preserves their unmistakable essence while giving them greater musical richness and depth.
The production features a select group of 4 singers and 13 musicians chosen by Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, where The Beatles first rose to fame. Through their distinctive vocal styles and stage presence, the singers capture the spirit of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The concert takes audiences on a musical journey through the melodies that shaped The Beatles’ history, in an experience that blends nostalgia with creativity and celebrates the extraordinary legacy of a band that remains one of the greatest musical phenomena in history.