ShareKUWAIT: The Embassy of Hungary in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Yarmouk Cultural Center and Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyah, hosted a Hungarian-Arabian musical evening featuring the award-winning Moroccan-Hungarian concert pianist Marouan Benabdallah. Performing for the first time in Kuwait, Benabdallah’s delicate touch and masterful command of the piano brought each note to life.
According to the Hungarian Ambassador to Kuwait, András Szabó, events like this are crucial to invite people to learn about and connect with your culture. “Even though I never believed in soft diplomacy when I was younger, I have come to realize that it speaks to the soul, to the heart,” he remarked. He took the opportunity to highlight what he described as “a historical moment between Hungary and Kuwait,” marking the recent launch of direct flights between Budapest and Kuwait City. “I don’t need to emphasize the significance of this decision but let me share one piece of information: the last flight from Budapest to Kuwait City was before the invasion. This truly underscores the importance of this development,” he explained.
Before captivating the audience with his performance, Benabdallah shared a thoughtful reflection on Hungary’s rich musical heritage. He pointed out that despite Hungary being a relatively small country with a population of approximately 9.6 million, “it gave birth to the greatest composers in the history of music.” He named iconic figures such as Béla Bartók and Ferenc Liszt. The pieces performed during the evening included compositions inspired by traditional Hungarian folk music.
Born to a music teacher mother, Benabdallah’s early life was steeped in a strong musical tradition. “As Kodály says, music education starts nine months before birth, and that’s exactly what happened to me. It was never a question of whether I wanted to pursue music, because we always had a piano at home.” He went on to humorously note, “Perhaps when I was 13 or 14, I briefly considered becoming a pilot, which I still could, but I’m too busy practicing all the notes you’ll hear tonight.” Benabdallah who received his formal training at the Bela Bartok Conservatory and the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary, has performed in a wide range of countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, showcasing his exceptional talent.
