The Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa today affirmed that the participation by Bahraini bands had its place in the Spring of Culture this year as was done in previous years, highlighting the participation of Mohammed bin Faris youth band during the Spring Culture in 2007. Moreover, she also indicated the great interest of viewers for the poetry of Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad entitled "Layal and Majnoon" which had its music composed by Marcel Khalife. Shaikha Mai also said in a statement to Bahrain News Agency that there was an opportunity for Bahraini participation in the Spring of Culture on the basis of very good performance, affirming that all the outstanding Bahraini names would be present continually in the Spring of Culture. The Minister of Culture said that this year's festival was varied and involved famous names and coincided with Manama being the Capital of Arab Culture 2012. She added that it was important this year to invite names that fulfilled the liking of all tastes affirming that all performances were free with the exception of two. These include performances by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Egyptian singer Reeham Abdulhakeem singing to the music of orchestra conductor Saleem Sahab and musical band to be held at the Bahrain National Museum. Shaikha Mai also stressed that the festival in its seventh term continues with the same active partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the Economic Development Board along with Shaikh Ibrahim Culture and Research Centre.