Manama, the largest city in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a cultural hub with a vibrant music scene. The city boasts several concert venues, including the Al Dana Amphitheatre, Bahrain International Circuit, and the National Theatre of Bahrain. The National Theatre of Bahrain, with its unique architectural design and impressive wood-covered interior, is one of the largest theatres in the Arab world. It has hosted renowned global artists such as Yanni, Placido Domingo, and the Bolshoi Ballet. Manama offers a diverse range of musical experiences, from jazz festivals to performances by international superstars, making it a destination for music enthusiasts.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name of concert hall | Bahrain National Theatre |
Date opened | November 2012 |
Number of seats | 1,001 |
Location | Next to the Bahrain National Museum |
Notable performances | Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, Yanni, Placido Domingo, Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Ballets, Il Divo |
Other facilities | Cafeteria, outdoor hall overlooking a lake, smaller hall for training and press conferences |
What You'll Learn
The National Theatre of Bahrain is a concert hall in Manama
The theatre was designed by the French company Architecture-Studio, with Atkins serving as the local consultant. The theatre's structure is a cubic glass-shaped building, alongside an artificial lake that provides a promenade for visitors. The roof is coated in gold colouring, leading some commentators to dub the theatre as having an "Arabian Nights theme". The architects intended for the roof to create a "shimmering gold jewel" effect. The foyer's floor is made of Paloma stone from Italy, with glass walls that allow visitors an unobstructed view of the lagoon outside.
The Bahrain National Theatre opened in November 2012 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The theatre has hosted a number of global performances from some of the world's foremost artists, including the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. In addition, the theatre has hosted cultural activities, including the 39th Annual Bahrain Fine Arts Festival and a Korean traditional costume fashion show, as well as press conferences and awards ceremonies.
Bahrain Airport: Open for Business or Security Shutdown?
You may want to see also
The 1,001-seat theatre has hosted global performances
The Bahrain National Theatre, located in Manama, Bahrain, is a 1,001-seat theatre that has hosted a plethora of global performances. It opened in November 2012 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The theatre is considered a "crowning achievement" in the Kingdom's efforts to enrich and develop local culture, with a history of achievements such as establishing the first school in the GCC in 1925 and the first radio station in 1941.
The theatre has played host to some of the world's foremost artists, including the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. The unique design of the theatre is inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, also known as the Arabian Nights. The 1,001 seats symbolically represent the collection of West and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age.
The interior of the auditorium is clad with acoustically treated Canadian Elmwood, intended to give visitors the impression of being on a Dhow, a traditional Arabian boat. The theatre is located on an area of about 12,000 square meters, overlooking the sea, and is one of the largest theatres in the Arab world. In addition to its main auditorium, the theatre features a cafeteria, an outdoor hall with lake views, and a smaller hall accommodating up to 100 people for training, press conferences, and small celebrations.
The National Theatre of Bahrain is a testament to the country's cultural development and has become a destination for world-class performances, combining architectural beauty and impressive acoustics to create a memorable experience for its audience.
Bahrain's Safety: A Current Perspective
You may want to see also
The theatre is located next to the Bahrain National Museum
The National Theatre of Bahrain is located next to the Bahrain National Museum. It is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world and the third-largest in the Middle East. The theatre opened in November 2012 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The theatre boasts a unique architectural design, with a copper roofline and a side of the building surrounded by water. The 1,001-seat auditorium's interior is clad with acoustically treated Canadian Elmwood, intended to give visitors the impression of being on a dhow—a traditional boat used in the region. The 1001 seats also symbolically represent the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, a collection of West and South Asian stories and folk tales.
The National Theatre of Bahrain has hosted a number of global performances from some of the world's foremost artists, including the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. In addition to its main auditorium, the theatre contains a cafeteria, an outdoor hall overlooking a lake, and a smaller hall accommodating up to 100 people for training, press conferences, and small celebrations.
The theatre is considered a significant cultural achievement in the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflecting its longstanding efforts to enrich and develop local culture. It stands as a testament to Bahrain's commitment to education and the arts, evidenced by its establishment of the first school in the GCC in 1925 and the first radio station in 1941, along with numerous cultural halls and institutes.
Bahrain's Navy: Tax-Free Haven for Sailors?
You may want to see also
The theatre has unique architecture inspired by Arabian Nights
The National Theatre of Bahrain, located in Manama, is a stunning example of architecture inspired by the Arabian Nights stories. With its unique design, the theatre has become one of the most beautiful theatres in the world and the third-largest in the Middle East. The building sits majestically along the water, with a copper roofline that is sure to impress.
The theatre's interior is just as remarkable as its exterior. The 1001-seat auditorium is clad with acoustically treated Canadian Elmwood, giving visitors the impression of being on a Dhow, a traditional Arabian boat. The number of seats also symbolically represents the collection of One Thousand and One Nights, or Arabian Nights, a compilation of West and South Asian stories and folk tales from the Islamic Golden Age.
The wood-covered walls and intricate design details showcase the influence of Arabian Nights, creating a space that is both visually appealing and acoustically superior. This fusion of art and functionality makes the National Theatre of Bahrain a one-of-a-kind destination for performing arts enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.
In addition to its main auditorium, the theatre features a cafeteria, an outdoor hall overlooking a lake, and a smaller hall accommodating up to 100 people for training, press conferences, and intimate celebrations. The versatility of these spaces allows for a range of cultural activities, including exhibitions, fashion shows, and awards ceremonies, further enhancing the theatre's reputation as a hub for artistic expression.
The National Theatre of Bahrain, with its Arabian Nights-inspired architecture, is not just a performance venue but a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting the arts. It stands as a proud landmark in Manama, attracting visitors from around the world and offering them a unique cultural experience.
Bahrain's Robotic King: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Al Dana Amphitheatre is another concert venue in Manama
Manama, Bahrain, is home to a variety of concert venues, including the Al Dana Amphitheatre. This unique venue has hosted artists from a wide range of genres, including Calvin Harris, SZA, Majid Jordan, Scorpions, André Rieu, and Ed Sheeran. With a capacity of 2GP8+VPQ, the amphitheatre provides an intimate setting for music enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite artists.
The Al Dana Amphitheatre is known for its diverse lineup, attracting artists from various musical genres. From hip-hop legend Eminem to electronic music producer Calvin Harris, the amphitheatre caters to a wide range of musical tastes. The venue has also played host to renowned artists such as SZA, Majid Jordan, and Ed Sheeran, ensuring that there is always something exciting on offer for music lovers.
In addition to its musical offerings, the Al Dana Amphitheatre has also been the setting for cultural activities and exhibitions. The amphitheatre is committed to showcasing a variety of events and has previously hosted the Korean Traditional Costume Fashion Show as part of the Bahrain Fine Arts Festival. This versatility transforms the venue into more than just a concert hall, positioning it as a cultural hub in Manama.
Located in the heart of Manama, the Al Dana Amphitheatre is easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike. Its proximity to other cultural landmarks, such as the Bahrain National Museum, enhances its appeal as a destination for those seeking entertainment and cultural enrichment. The amphitheatre's convenient location encourages visitors to explore the city and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture.
The Al Dana Amphitheatre is a testament to Manama's thriving arts and cultural scene, providing a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their talents. The venue's diverse programming and commitment to cultural events make it a valuable asset to the city, contributing to the rich tapestry of Manama's artistic landscape.
Sonal: A Common Name in Bahrain?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several concert venues in Manama, Bahrain. These include the Al Dana Amphitheatre, the Bahrain International Circuit, and the National Theatre of Bahrain.
The National Theatre of Bahrain is one of the largest theatres in the Middle East and the world, with 1001 seats. Its unique design, inspired by the tales of 1001 Arabian Nights, features wood-covered interior walls and a copper roofline. The theatre has hosted performances by global artists such as Yanni, Placido Domingo, and the Bolshoi Ballet.
Other concert venues in Manama include the Bahrain National Amphitheatre and the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.
Artists that have performed in Manama include Matti Klein Soul Trio, Clarissa, Rick Ross, Daughtry, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and Abby Roberts.