Symphonic Music Festival

The International Festival of Symphonic Music of El Jem is a symphonic music festival. It has been held every summer in the Tunisian city of El Jem since 1985. In Tunisia, El Jem is the only city in the Arab world to organize a truly international festival dedicated to symphonic music. The festival takes place in the El Jem amphitheater, built around the 3rd century. This venue can hold between 27,000 and 30,000 spectators.

Since its creation, the festival attracts many orchestras. These include the Orchestra of the Vienna Opera Ball, the National Symphony Orchestra of Algeria, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Rome. Furthermore, the Symphony Orchestra Globalis of Moscow and the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra also perform. Additionally, the Romani Philharmonic Orchestra has participated. For the first time in Africa, the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma performed here, conducted by Francesco La Vecchia.

Historical Background of El Jem

El Jem is the heiress of Thysdrus. It was a small rural Berber agglomeration. The city developed thanks to its advantageous position. It sits on a plateau forming the most direct passage from North to South. Moreover, it offers a convenient junction between the coast and the interior. During the Punic invasion, it probably served as a relay or support. It facilitated penetration from the coast towards the interior.

The village remained modest in size during this period. At this first stage of development, the city had an archaic central core. This core did not seem very extensive, covering about twenty hectares. It formed a circle roughly 500 meters in diameter. The blocks were irregular, and the streets were winding and narrow. Ultimately, the festival offers an unforgettable musical experience in a unique historical setting.