In celebration of six decades of diplomatic ties between Canada and Kuwait, renowned Canadian composer and pianist Steve Barakatt took to the stage at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre on February 9. This historic performance highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, underscoring the power of cultural exchange and the unifying force of music.
Barakatt, on his first-ever performance in Kuwait, presented his acclaimed Néoréalité World Tour, leading the audience on an unforgettable musical journey. Among the many pieces performed, Barakatt offered a live rendition of Lullaby – The UNICEF Anthem, originally premiered from the International Space Station (ISS) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
To mark this special anniversary, Barakatt composed Dunes of Snow, a new piece dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Canada-Kuwait diplomatic relations. The world premiere of this emotive composition became the evening’s centerpiece, performed in a captivating duet with esteemed Kuwaiti pianist Faisal Al-Bahairi. Their collaboration beautifully captured the spirit of the longstanding cultural connection between Canada and Kuwait.
Barakatt expressed his excitement at being part of the celebration, stating, “It is an honor to take part in this historic celebration, commemorating six decades of friendship between Canada and Kuwait. Music transcends borders, uniting people, and I’m thrilled to share this meaningful moment with the people of Kuwait.”
A Tribute to Shared Values
The event was further highlighted by remarks from H.E. Aliya Mawani, Ambassador of Canada to Kuwait, who spoke about the significance of the concert. She noted, “This concert is a profound tribute to the enduring partnership between Canada and Kuwait. Over the past 60 years, our nations have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared values.”
The concert was organized in collaboration with Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah, an institution committed to fostering cultural bridges, and was supported by several key sponsors, including Al Ghanim, Canadian College Kuwait, Equate Petrochemical Company, and many others.
A Distinguished Career
Steve Barakatt, a Canadian artist of Lebanese heritage, is an award-winning composer, pianist, and music producer with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years. He has performed more than 500 live shows across five continents, collaborating with top artists, brands, and organizations on global projects.
With over five million albums sold worldwide and more than 250 million views on YouTube, Barakatt’s music has been featured in high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. A Knight of the National Order of Quebec, Barakatt’s influence in the music world continues to grow, with his intricate and emotive compositions leaving a lasting mark on listeners worldwide.
This special performance in Kuwait serves as a powerful reminder of the role of music in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening international ties. Through his artistry, Steve Barakatt has helped to further deepen the bond between Canada and Kuwait, ensuring that this longstanding friendship continues to thrive for years to come.
