Koncerty.com, the organizer of the festival, has invited true stars once again .   “For all artists, this will be the first visit to Szczecin or in some cases even to Poland,” stresses Dariusz Startek.

 

The first concert will take place on 20 April at 7:00 p.m. Nine dancers from Syria will give their performance in the concert hall of Szczecin Philharmonic. “They have not been invited as stars - the concert is organized to draw public attention to how important Syrian culture is and how peaceful its climate can be. We named the project: ‘Wirujący Derwisze’, but in fact, the group is called Noureddine Khourchid & the Whirling Dervishes of Syria. It consists of monks who use music and dance to express love and peace,” describes the owner of Koncerty.com. Tickets are available from: >> bilety.fm

 

On 30 April at 7:00 p.m. Avishai Cohen, often called a contrabass genius, will give his concert in Szczecin Philharmonic.   “Undoubtedly, he is among the most sought-after contemporary jazz players. It was very hard to arrange that concert,” adds Dariusz Startek. Avishai Cohen will be accompanied by two instrumentalists. >>  bilety.fm

 

On 31 May at 7:00 p.m. Szczecin inhabitants will be able to listen to Habib Koite performing African music with traces of western influences.    To quote a famous music periodical – Rolling Stone, Habib Koite is “Mali’s biggest pop star”. Habib has also received raves from widely-read publications such as People, Vanity and the New York Times. “Habib Koite is an artist of the same rank as Cesaria Evora, Youssou N'Doura and Bassekou Kouyate. He is very famous in France,” says Dariusz Startek. >> bilety.fm

 

Another concert, which will be organized on 04 July at 8:00 p.m., may as well prove to be most popular. Macy Gray, a neo soul artist that - along with Erykah Badu - is considered to be the best in the genre will perform in Szczecin Duke’s castle. Known to many for her warm, husky voice singing the hit: ‘I Try’ from the 1999 album entitled ‘On How Life Is’, Macy Gray has recorded seven albums to date, sold 25 million records, received Grammy, Billboard, MTV and BRIT awards. Her fans will probably have an opportunity to hear songs from her latest studio album entitled ‘The Way'. >> bilety.fm

 

On 07 July at 7:00 p.m. in Szczecin castle we will have the pleasure of listening to Buika, another singer possessing a unique and unforgettable voice. Buika sings, composes and writes lyrics. Her songs embody all the best things in world music – African and Latin rhythms, flamenco, soul and a condiment of jazz.   “All her concerts are enrapturing,” says Dariusz Startek, adding that it took many years to finally arrange Buika’s concert in Szczecin. >> bilety.fm

 

Another artist whose performance required many arrangements and much effort is Omara Portuondo, the lead Singer of Buena Vista Social Club. Her concert will be held on 11 July at 8:00 p.m. at the Duke’s Castle in Szczecin. Omara began her career in the 1940-ies and she was known and admired all over the world long before the commercial success of the record and movie Buena Vista Social Club (1996). Today she is 85 years old and is still recording new songs and popular albums. >> bilety.fm

 

At the finale of the festival, 12 November at 19:00 in the hall of Azoty Arena, the first class star will sing - British singer Katie Melua. She will be accompanied by the female choir from Georgia - The Gori Women's Choir. Katie Melua effectively combines in her songs influences of pop, folk, blues and jazz, warm vocals are added. Her commercial success is proved by more than 11 million albums sold, a million tickets sold for concerts and 56 platinum awards. >> bilety.fm and www.eventim.pl

 

Szczecin Music Fest is the first festival organized in Szczecin presenting leading world music trends. Every year many raising stars and well-distinguished artists are invited. Among others, the following performers could be admired during SMF previous editions:  Cesaria Evora, Mariza, Susan Vega, Chick Corea, Cronos Quartet, Paco de Lucia, Chris Botti, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Zaz, Asaf Avidan, Imany, Selah Sue.

 

For more information, please go to: www.szczecinmusicfest.pl

 

ak