TASTE OF ITALY

Nespresso and global Italian fashion icon Chiara Ferragni have collaborated to release a limited-edition collection.

Nespresso has expanded its Ispirazione Italiana range with a limited-edition collection, inspired by the country’s vibrant coffee culture. Alongside renowned historian, Filippo Cosmelli, Chiara Ferragni starts her adventure into the fascinating history of Rome’s coffee culture and the tradition and creativity of the beautiful city. Together, the duo visit iconic locations, including Antico Caffè Greco where they enjoy a Roma espresso and uncover Italian roasting traditions. Chiara’s journey continues through the city of Milan, the true inspiration behind the design, taste and notes of the Milano Intenso coffee, stemming from historic locations such as Villa Necchi, Palazzo Montedoria and Duomo Cathedral. The Duomo gold spires and Villa Necchi’s bespoke geometric deep green design with gold accents, appear throughout the new capsule. The pair’s journey has been made into a short film divided into four parts.

Commenting on her collaboration with Nespresso, Chiara said: “My love of coffee and Italy knows no limits, so I jumped at the chance to collaborate again with the dear Nespresso family to co-develop this limited-edition collection. The new range has been inspired by the creativity and rich culture of Milan and I am so excited to bring to life such great tasting coffee with beautiful accessories and machines for coffee lovers to enjoy wherever they are.”

Milano Intenso strikes a balance between jammy, fruity notes and a shimmer of spice. Igniting the senses with a classic combination of roasted-cereal and cocoa notes, coffee drinkers can expect hints of bread and dark chocolate with every sip they take. For a momentous tasting experience from start to finish, it’s recommended that the coffee is sipped as a cappuccino, giving off hints of pepper, berry and funky fruity notes.

The launch also features Nespresso’s limited-edition Touch Travel Mug in a sleek gold colour, and a set of two matte black and gold espresso cups. Coffee lovers can also get their hands on the new CitiZ coffee machine with an Italian twist – wrapped in a striking artwork bringing to mind Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio. Ispirazione Italiana is available online and in Nespresso Boutiques. ✤

Culturally Speaking

Bahrain’s beloved Spring Of Culture extravaganza is back to dazzle. The 17th edition features a wide range of events, from music concerts, poetry nights and film festivals to workshops, art exhibitions and historical tours. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting bits so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Event: Japan Film Festival

Date: February 15 and 17

Time: 6pm

Venue: Bahrain National Museum Auditorium

Tickets: Free

Enjoy an evening watching Japanese films: DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura (on February 15) and ON-GAKU: Our Sound (on February 17). There will be English subtitles. The festival is organised by the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom, supported by the Japan Foundation and in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Event: André Rieu Concert

Date: February 16

Time: 8.30pm

Venue: Al Dana Amphitheatre

Tickets: Prices start from BD20.

Available on manama.platinumlist.net

Famous Dutch violinist André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra will bring the magic of waltz to life in the Kingdom in a first-of-its-kind regional debut.

Event: Musical Concert by Ala Ghawas

Date: February 21

Time: 8pm

Venue: Cultural Hall

Tickets: Free

Event: Musical Night by the Mohammed Bin Faris Band

Date: February 2 to March 2

Time: Every Thursday from 8pm onwards

Venue: Mohammed Bin Faris Music Hall

Tickets: Free

Discover the Kingdom’s rich pearling legacy – musically. Set sail with the melodies of the Mohammed Bin Faris Band – a lyrical voyage telling the tales of a pearl diver’s life; festive tunes, diving songs and farewell ballads.

Event: Arabic Calligraphy Workshops

Date: February 4, 11, 18 and 25

Time: 10am to 12pm on each day

Venue: Al Jasra Crafts Centre

Tickets: BD35 registration fee – register on www.culture.gov.bh

Have an artistic streak or simply a penchant for all things arty? This fun, educational workshop offers an in-depth understanding of the history of Arabic calligraphy and the Diwani script. You will also learn about the tools used in this art form and how to write letters and words. The fee includes the tools.

Bahrain’s music scene has evolved and grown over time, with talented artists coming to the forefront. One such personality is Ala Ghawas who has created nine albums across a career spanning 15 years. An independent musician, and bilingual singer and songwriter from Bahrain, he is celebrated as one of the most influential local artists of his generation.

Event: Jack Harlow Concert

Date: February 23

Time: 8.30pm

Where: Al Dana Amphitheatre

Tickets: Prices start from BD20.

Available on manama.platinumlist.net

Don’t miss this concert where Jack Harlow will entertain with his music, which has been broadly categorised as hip hop. The American rapper has received several award nods, including Grammy Award nominations.

Event: Swan Lake Ballet

Date: March 2 and 3

Time: 8pm – doors open at 6.30pm

Venue: Grand Hall at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir

Tickets: Prices start from BD20.

Available on manama.platinumlist.net

The world-renowned Imperial Russian Ballet troupe will enthrall audiences with their performance. Witness this much-revered musical masterpiece composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, which will be conducted by Maestro Pavel Klinichev of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Event: Sleeping Beauty Ballet

Date: March 4

Time: 2pm – doors open at 12.30pm; 8pm – doors open at 6.30pm

Venue: Grand Hall at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir

Tickets: Prices start from BD20.

Available on manama.platinumlist.net

Get ready for yet another scintillating performance by the Imperial Russian Ballet troupe. The ballet will be conducted by Maestro Nikolay Khondzinsky of the acclaimed Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. There will be two shows on the same day.

Event: Brass-A-Holics

Date: March 14

Time: 8pm

Venue: Cultural Hall

Event: Kevin Hart Show

Date: February 24

Time: 8.30pm

Venue: Al Dana Amphitheatre

Tickets: Prices start from BD20.

Available on manama.platinumlist.net

Get ready for a night of rib-tickling comedy by world-renowned comedian Kevin Hart, Hollywood’s box office powerhouse.

Tickets: Free

In collaboration with the United States Embassy in Bahrain, the festival will feature a live performance by the Brass-A-Holics. The show infuses the New Orleans brass band culture with the electricity of Washington D.C.’s go-go vibe, resulting in a unique sound. Bahraini musician Esraa Janahi will perform alongside the band. ✤

GO: PLEASE CHECK WITH THE ORGANISERS FOR AGE RESTRICTIONS.