Alba to donate BD 431,088 towards the Bin Fares Performance Hall

 Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)'s support towards enriching Bahrain's cultural landscape and promoting the growth and development of performance arts in the kingdom received a substantial boost as the company donated BD 431,088 (US$ 1,143,378) - payable over two years - for the construction of the Bin Fares Performance Hall in Muharraq.

The Chairman of Alba's Board of Directors, Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji presented the cheque for the first instalment of BD 215,544 (US$ 571,689) to Her Excellency - the Head Board of Trustees for Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture & Research - Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa on February 07, 2012.

Also present was the Investor & Public Relations Manager Eline Hilal & the Program Cultural Manager Ezmerelda Kabbani.

Bin Fares Performance Hall has received the backing of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It will provide a platform for traditional Bahraini music as well as offer an avenue for local music groups and bands to hold regular concerts.

Commenting on Alba's financial support for the construction of the Bin Fares Performance Hall, the Chairman of Alba's Board of Directors, Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji said:

"As a Bahraini company, we are highly proud of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the life of our nation, and are committed in every possible way to support initiatives that would promote cultural activities in the kingdom. We are delighted with the Sheikh Ibrahim Center for Culture & Research decision to set-up a dedicated performance hall for promoting traditional Bahraini music, and are confident that it will generate interest in this form of music and create new fans amongst the younger generation."

The Bin Fares Performance Hall has been planned as an extension of the existing Mohammed Bin Faris Sut Music House. As one of the future projects of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre, the performance hall is dedicated to the memory of Mohammed bin Fares, a major proponent of the sut music that originated in the Arabian Gulf region.