AMMAN — The musical diversity offered at the Amman Citadel Festival is the main factor that attracts people from across the capital to attend its shows, according to members of the audience.
The event, which features an array of international and local performers, opened last week, with a performance by Spanish singer Julio Iglesias.
Music fans interviewed by The Jordan Times said the festival’s shows cater to all tastes.
Mahmoud Ibrahim brought his three daughters to attend a concert by Jordanian artist Hani Mitwasi, their favourite singer.
“My children like this artist and understand his songs, so I decided to bring them to this show rather than a concert by a foreign singer or group,” he told The Jordan Times as he waited for the performance to begin.
Nour Shobaki, a university student, noted that she prefers Arabic songs to foreign music.
“I like them because I can understand the lyrics and the idea the artists want to convey,” she explained.
But Ibrahim Abu Al Laban, who brought his daughter to the festival, said the idea of inviting prominent artists like Iglesias will help promote the country.
“Such performances will encourage tourists to visit Jordan. They show the world that our country is safe compared to others in the region,” he noted.
For university student Zaid Awad, the variety of music at the festival gives him a chance to know more about other cultures.
“Everyone can find a concert that matches his or her interest. For example, I like energetic national songs that make the atmosphere thrilling, so this is why I attended [Palestinian Arab Idol winner] Mohammad Assaf’s concert,” he told The Jordan Times.
‘Scenic location’
Festival goers also stressed that the location of the event played an important role in attracting a great number of visitors.
Ibrahim said his family enjoyed good music and at the same time learnt more about one of the Kingdom’s major archaeological sites, while Shobaki said the area’s location, overlooking old Amman and the Roman Theatre, gave the music a surreal twist.
Some audience members, however, complained about ticket prices, while others found them affordable.
Organisers of the event, the Friends of Jordan Festivals NGO, announced a 50 per cent discount on all ticket categories for university students except the VIP section to encourage them to attend the performances.
But Awad noted that not all university students could afford the tickets.
“I managed to get my ticket for JD20. Not every student can afford to buy a ticket at this price,” he told The Jordan Times, adding that the drinks and snacks are also expensive.
Ibrahim disagreed, saying the prices were within the means of all segments of society.
“It is not necessary to buy a VIP ticket for example. You can buy cheap tickets under other categories.”
The idea of providing shuttle buses for festival visitors from Abdali to the Citadel in the Jabal Qalaa neighbourhood was received with mixed feelings.
Ala Sameer, who attended Mohammad Assaf’s concert, said some families prefer to use their own cars and park them outside the festival’s location.
“Some families are not comfortable with sitting in buses,” he added.
But Khaled Obeid said the idea was “brilliant”, because it is difficult to find a parking space in Jabal Qalaa.
“I don’t have to worry... I can simply park my car in Abdali and use these buses.”
The festival continues with concerts by the Palestine Youth Orchestra on Saturday, Lebanese singer and oud player Marcel Khalife on September 10 and The Sound of Music London-based show between September 12-14.
The festival was supposed to conclude on September 10, but organisers said shipping delays forced the rescheduling of The Sound of Music shows.
