This musical project is made up of musicians from Morocco, Greece, Spain and Switzerland. The concert, which is being held with the cooperation of the Canonry of the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba will be taking place on October 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Patio de los Naranjos of the Mosque Cathedral, next to the three hundred year old olive tree (dated back to 1741).

The “Under the Olive Tree” concert is an original project that came about as a result of a photo of an olive tree next to the Parthenon in Greece and a shared love for Mediterranean cultures and music. For thousands of years, the olive tree has been and continues to be of crucial importance to the regions and peoples in the Mediterranean Basin, and its branches act stand a universal symbol for peace. The olive tree serves as the inspiration for an extraordinary meeting between musicians of different origins, and acts as the starting point for our journey.

This project celebrates the gift of life, love, joy and sadness, as well as tolerance, cultural and religious diversity and peaceful co-existence. Containing original compositions and traditional musical pieces, a dynamic dialogue is formed amongst the musicians. Music unites us and, under the olive tree of the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, we hope it will help us rediscover our roots and the bonds which tie us together, thus deepening the concept of multiculturalism and “co-existence.”

“Under The Olive Tree” premiered in Geneva on September 23 as part of the eighth edition of the Fête de L’Olivier 2023, featuring musicians from Morocco, Greece, Spain, Iraq and Iran, with a dynamic repertoire that included both original compositions and traditional works. From flamenco to popular Greek folklore, the audience will enjoy a world of fascinating rhythms and melodies, in which each musician gets to express his or her art through an unbelievable connection.

The project also includes the screening of a documentary at Casa Árabe, “The Golden Harvest” by Alia Yunis, a story of love from 6,000 years ago, in which the filmmaker attempts to reaching an understanding of the deep and often troubled relationship between the peoples of the Mediterranean and their olive trees. This journey takes us to unexpected places, including her home. Through the eyes and the experiences of a diverse cast, ranging from Palestine to Italy, Greece and Spain, we end up discovering a story of faith, love and generosity.

The group giving the concert, made up of nine members, has been co-financed by the Marmoucha Foundation* and is led by Fauzia Benedetti, also being held with the participation of:
Hamid Ajbar (Arabic vocals)
Elsa Mouratidou (Greek vocals)
Alkis Zopoglou (kanun)
Mohamed Ahddaf (Arabic oud)
Puchero (flamenco guitar)
Faiçal Korrich (violin)
Fauzia Benedetti (transverse flute)
Emad Ghajjou (percussion)
Papu Gigena (cajón and percussion)
 
The Marmoucha Foundation develops, produces, organizes and promotes musical and theatrical performances which showcase the cultural wealth of North Africa and the Middle East. Since 2002, Marmoucha has been a pioneer in the performance arts of North Africa and the Middle East.

FLORA - The International Flower Festival is the largest contemporary floral art event to be held in the world. At the festival, floral artists of an international stature have the opportunity to transform different courtyards into fascinating spaces located inside emblematic buildings in the city of Cordoba, including the courtyards of institutions ceded by the City Council of Cordoba, Spain, as well as courtyards lent by sponsoring entities, thus creating a wonderful journey through memory, art, culture and heritage. These short-lived floral displays can be viewed free of charge.