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Three Bocellis and many instruments in a celebration of life at Hegra: The Royal Commission for AlUla
Songs included favourites from hits from the artist most recent album, , as well as songs from the and . No Bocelli performance would be complete without an encore of and fans both at the event and millions watching live on MBC1 in MENA and the artists YouTube channel globally were not disappointed.
As well as the surprise performance from young talent Virginia Bocelli , the master tenor was joined by musicians from the Arabian Philharmonic and special guests Loren Allred , Matteo Bocelli , soprano Francesca Maionchi , with Eugene Kohn at the piano.
The musical genius is said to be able to play any instrument he puts his hands on and proved this on arrival at AlUla International Airport by playing a rendition of on a Qanoun, or Zither.
Bocelli says the concert was about a celebration of life and music, "Our planet is beautiful and music is the world's great unifier so this moment for us has been about spreading a little joy as we all see the light at the end of the tunnel and look forward to enjoying music together again soon."
The concert marks the third successive year that Bocelli has performed in AlUla having delighted audiences at the previous two Winter at Tantora festivals. However, this is the first time that the ancient city of Hegra will be the setting for a music event of this calibre.
Hegra, built in the first century BCE by the Nabataean Kingdom, is an ancient desert city home to thousands of tombs cut into sandstone mountains. At least 100 tombs have elaborate carved facades, a signature of the skilled Nabataean craftsmen.
Bocelli said performing in such as setting was a very special moment for the family and for all the musicians on stage: "To be here creating a piece of history in such an inspirational setting so rich in human ingenuity, heritage and culture is truly a moment we will never forget."
Maestro Bocelli will go directly from AlUla, Saudi Arabia to Genoa, Italy to record the opera , by Giuseppe Verdi .
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is committed to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia . RCU's long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development, that preserves the area's natural and historic heritage.
The world's most beloved tenor, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, gives a stunning performance within the surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra in AlUla. Please find the video clip available to download here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11lrSFQHRbyI1eP84dFo_4QUPFcY4zZIR
Images - WeTransfer
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1484330/AlUla_Saudi_Arabia_Bocelli.jpg