French Ambassador: Kuwait is the Quintessential Country of Perfumes

At a cultural and artistic evening that blended the fragrance of perfumes with the enchantment of music, Kuwait and France celebrated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, coinciding with the observance of Francophone Month. The celebration featured an exceptional artistic performance titled “Perfumes,” presented by the French Baroque music ensemble Agamemnon on the evening of the day before yesterday at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre. The creative experience engaged both hearing and smell, highlighting the role of culture and the arts in fostering dialogue and rapprochement among peoples.

Olivier Goffen, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized that culture constitutes one of the fundamental pillars for strengthening Kuwaiti-French friendship. He noted that the evening embodied the convergence of European musical heritage with the ancient traditions of perfumery in the Arabian Peninsula, reflecting the depth of cultural exchange and the civilizational openness that characterize Kuwait.

In his speech during the evening, Goffen stated that Kuwait is quintessentially a country of perfumes, where fragrance permeates the details of daily life, from the markets of Al-Mubarakiya to diwaniyas, forming an integral part of hospitality traditions, memory, and national identity. He added that the “Perfumes” performance offers an artistic dialogue between music and scents, drawing inspiration from the interplay of senses in French literature and art, particularly Charles Baudelaire’s poem “Correspondences,” which explores the interaction between perfumes, colors, and sounds, and how artistic experiences can evoke memories and emotions in ways that transcend words.

Regarding the ensemble’s approach, Goffen explained that Agamemnon, founded by cornett player François Carlier, places the rediscovery of early music at the core of its artistic project, striving to present it through contemporary perspectives that allow audiences to engage with musical heritage in innovative ways. He pointed out that the evening’s program took the audience on a journey through the music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, featuring works by prominent composers including Claudio Monteverdi, Barbara Strozzi, Salomone Rossi, and Luigi Rossi. The perfumes accompanying the performance were developed in collaboration with perfumery historian Alexander Halwani, offering a comprehensive artistic experience that combines melodies and scents.

Goffen highlighted that hosting this performance in Kuwait carries special significance, given the country’s maritime and commercial history and its role in linking the Arabian Peninsula with India and the Indian Ocean region. He clarified that trade routes did not merely transport precious goods but also facilitated the transfer of traditions, cultural practices, and memories among peoples. He affirmed that the evening celebrates this open heritage by combining European music with the region’s ancient perfumery traditions, expressing his appreciation for France’s partners in Kuwait, notably the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, as well as supporting entities for the activities of the French Institute in Kuwait. He also thanked the Francophone community, diplomatic corps members, and the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie in Kuwait, commending their role in supporting cultural dialogue and strengthening friendship ties between the two countries.

For his part, Mohammed bin Rida, Director of the External Cultural Relations Department at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters and Director of the Kuwait National Museum, affirmed that the 65-year-long Kuwaiti-French relationship represents a model of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. He noted that culture, arts, and heritage have played a significant role in strengthening bridges of communication and understanding between the two peoples.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Ben Rida stated that culture is not merely an expression of the civilizational identity of peoples, but a human language that transcends geographical boundaries and linguistic barriers, opening wide horizons for rapprochement, mutual understanding, and shared creativity. He clarified that the “Perfumes” presentation offers an artistic experience that combines the masterpieces of Baroque music with the art of olfactory creation, as each musical piece is accompanied by a bespoke aromatic composition, transforming melodies and scents into a harmonious dialogue that touches the soul and enriches the imagination. He added that what distinguishes this experience is its emphasis that art is not limited to what the eye sees or the ear hears, but extends to emotions and memory, with music and perfumes being linked to places, moments, and human experiences.