Algerian Radio
The activities of the 22nd edition of the National Modern Music Festival for Youth kicked off on Sunday evening in Oran. The event features the participation of 153 young people from 15 wilayas, set within an attractive artistic atmosphere marked by a diversity of musical rhythms.
The opening ceremony of the event, held under the slogan "The Youth of Today, the Future of Tomorrow," was overseen by the Secretary-General of the wilaya, Fodil Laïdani, representing the Wali of Oran, Brahim Ouchène. The ceremony was attended by officials from youth institutions, representatives of associations active in the fields of youth and art, as well as music specialists. To mark the occasion, an operetta titled "El Bilad," directed by Douidi Wahid and tracing various historical periods of Algeria, was presented.
In his address, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of this festival, describing it as a meeting space where artistic creativity and young voices converge.
For his part, the Director of Youth and Sports for the wilaya of Oran, Adel Tadjjar, indicated that this event constitutes an opportunity for young people to forge connections, receive mentoring, and showcase their artistic capabilities. He added that several groups who participated in previous editions have since turned professional, enabling them to take part in international events.
Representatives of the participating musical groups affirmed that the Modern Music Festival for Youth represents an opportunity to valorize Algerian heritage with contemporary touches, while fostering the exchange of experiences between artistic groups to promote vocal art.
The competition for the first day of this edition, which will continue until December 24, began with the performance of musical pieces inspired by Algerian heritage, revisited in a modern style. These were presented by six groups from the wilayas of Souk Ahras, Tiaret, Nâama, Tizi Ouzou, Illizi, and Oran. The large audience in attendance interacted enthusiastically with these performances, discovering young talents and their skills in mastering musical instruments.
The program for the second day will see eight groups take the stage from the wilayas of Tébessa, Sidi Bel-Abbes, Illizi, In Salah, Blida, El-Bayadh, Tlemcen, and Touggourt. Meanwhile, seven groups from the wilayas of M’sila, Oran, and Bordj Bou Arreridj will perform on the third and final day.
This competition, overseen by a jury composed of musicians recognized on both the local and national artistic scenes, will conclude with the awarding of prizes to the winners of the top three places, according to the organizers.
Furthermore, some groups will also host artistic evenings in several municipalities, notably Aïn El-Turck, Boutlelis, and Oued Tlelat. Participants will also benefit from sightseeing excursions to the historic Santa Cruz fortress, located on the heights of Mount Murdjadjou in the municipality of Oran.
The National Modern Music Festival for Youth is organized under the patronage of the Minister of Youth, charge of the Higher Council for Youth, Mustapha Hidaoui, and the Wali of Oran, Brahim Ouchène. It is implemented by the Directorate of Youth and Sports, in coordination with the League of Cultural and Artistic Activities of the wilaya of Oran, with the contribution of the National Office of Culture and Information.
