Tenor Andrea Bocelli held on Friday his first-ever concert in Saudi Arabia as part of the Winter at Tantora festival that is underway in the al-Ula region.
The sold-out concert was conducted by Marcello Rota at the head of a 140-piece orchestra.
The concert featured a variety of performances by Bocelli and his companions, soprano Maria Aleida Rodriguez, violinist Anastasiya Petryshak and guest singer Ilaria Della Bidia.
Bocelli performed several of his acclaimed hits and during one of the segments, appeared on stage dressed in traditional Saudi garb much to the delight of the audience.
Hosted by the residents of al-Ula, the festival runs from December 20, 2018 until February 9, 2019.
During a series of themed weekend events, festival visitors experienced a range of activities including a celebration of the winter planting season, weekly cultural events, a spectacular Fursan equine experience and premiere musical performances from some of the world’s greatest musicians.
They included music performances by Mohamed Abdo, Majida El Roumi and Renaud Capuçon.
Fans are in store for a concert by Kadim Al-Saher and Ilham al-Madfai on February 15.
On February 22, the festival will honor Abdul Karim Abdul Qader with performances by Majid al-Muhandis and Rashed Al-Majed.
