The ancient city of Fez (Morocco), founded in the 9th century by Moulay Idriss, has for centuries been an important centre of learning, intellectual life and spirituality, where Muslims, Jews and Christians have lived together in peace and harmony. One need only think of three representative residents of the city: Maimonides, Ibn Arabi and Gerbert of Aurillac, later Pope Sylvester II. A city of tradition which has kept intact and alive the rhythm of the past in the streets and houses of its Medina, protected from the ravages of time.

Over the last several years, the Festival of World Sacred Music has restored the lustre to this seminal city were the great traditions of Sacred Music come together. In the year 2000, he sixth edition of this festival was entitled Dialogues of Civilisations and offered superb musical events in which dialogue between these traditions was the basis of a true human and cultural encounter.