The "Sijlmassa Orchestra for the art of Malhoun of Erfoud" brought the 13th edition of the National Festival of the Art of Malhoun to a beautiful close on Saturday evening, initiated under the theme "The art of Malhoun: the memory of heritage".

The Sijlmassa Orchestra, led by master Abdelali El Bariki, amazed the audience with qçayed and poems inspired by authentic cultural heritage, addressing social issues, love, and nature, in addition to songs of praise and panegyrics to the Prophet Sidna Mohammed, peace and blessings be upon Him.

The second part of the evening was hosted by the "Al Assala Orchestra for the art of Malhoun of Meknes", which magnificently revisited numerous pieces of the Moroccan musical and cultural legacy.

The two troupes entered into perfect symbiosis with a large and knowledgeable audience who repeated in chorus, for the duration of an evening, an anthology of the most beautiful songs of this sublime musical art. Organised by the urban commune of the city in partnership with the Fes Heritage Foundation, this edition, dedicated to the national icon of the art of Malhoun, the late Haj Mohamed Bouzoubaâ, saw the participation of numerous orchestras from different regions of Morocco.

In addition to humorous sketches featuring professional and novice artists, the festival also included the presentation of theatrical plays inspired by the Malhoun heritage, the signing of a book titled "Studies in the art of Malhoun" by Abdelwahab Al Filali, as well as a conference under the theme "The impact of Malhoun on other artistic genres of Moroccan heritage" hosted by a panel of artists and researchers.

A dozen national orchestras took part in this cultural event, including the "Fes Women's Troupe Orchestra", the "Marrakech Malhoun Orchestra", as well as the "Sijlmassa Orchestra for the art of Malhoun of Erfoud" and the "Al Assala Orchestra of Meknes".