Mahmoud Abuwarda Wins the Prestigious JERUS-IT-ARTS International Contest
Palestinian composer and classical guitarist Mahmoud Abuwarda has been officially announced as one of the distinguished winners of the JERUS-IT-ARTS International Contest.
The esteemed European competition, renowned for its mission to foster intercultural dialogue between Italy and Jerusalem through the power of arts and music, recognized Abuwarda’s work for its profound cultural depth and artistic excellence. His winning contribution beautifully reflects his signature style: seamlessly bridging the rich, emotive heritage of Middle Eastern music with the structured elegance of Western classical forms.
Bringing the Palestinian narrative to such a prominent international platform marks a significant milestone in Abuwarda’s career. The initiative champions the belief that art is a universal language capable of transcending borders and building meaningful human connections.
“This recognition goes beyond a personal artistic achievement,” Abuwarda shared regarding the announcement. “It is a testament to the power of music to carry our stories, our heritage, and our voices across the world. I am deeply honored by the jury’s decision and thrilled to be part of a project that builds such vital cultural bridges.”
To celebrate this achievement, the JERUS-IT-ARTS organizers are hosting an official Award Ceremony tomorrow, bringing together the winners, jury members, and art enthusiasts from around the globe.
Abuwarda warmly invites his audience, colleagues, and supporters to join the celebration online.
Award Ceremony Details:
Join the Live Ceremony:
- Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM CET
- Location: Online Event
For the official announcement and to explore the full list of winning projects, please visit the JERUS-IT-ARTS official website: Official Results Page
This victory adds to a remarkable season of international recognition for Abuwarda, seamlessly aligning with his upcoming engagement as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Oklahoma and his highly anticipated collaboration with Italy’s Halidon Music.