Rawan Abudawood - Layan Damanhouri

Saudi Gazette AN ecstatic audience cheered the world renowned musician and composer Yanni who expressed enthusiasm at performing in Saudi Arabia in the King Abdullah Economic City at the weekend. Known for traveling around the world and infusing diverse cultures in his music and orchestra, Yanni’s visit to Saudi Arabia and exploring Saudi music is a new experience in his long career. “When I visited the Taj Mahal in India or Metropolis in Greece and a lot of other places that a lot of people are never allowed to go, it changed me so will this journey in Saudi Arabia,” he told reporters before his first concert on Thursday. “I learn about the culture, music, and ideas. This is my first time in Saudi Arabia and I am sure as long as you invite me there will be second and third and fourth.” The General Entertainment Authority surprised the public by introducing live concerts by internationally acclaimed performers like Yanni. Sara Al-Ouni, an attendee who considers herself a big fan of Yanni, says her dream of seeing Yanni play live came true. She said, “I was actually hoping to get married and have my honeymoon where he is performing so I could see him but surprisingly he came to us.” For Yanni, music is a universal language that connects people. “The message is in the music. Language is not necessary,” he said at the press conference. “You just have to feel it. It speaks everything that I feel. If you listen carefully it is what connects us people around the world.” He added: “I want my audience here to feel uplifted. I want to touch their hearts. On their way back home, I want them to be smiling, happy, hopeful, looking up for the future, and feeling strong.” Asked about his favorite piece to play he told Saudi Gazette, “It’s like asking me to choose between my children. For sure, I have certain pieces that I enjoy very much on different occasions and different situations. However, my favorite is the music that I’m working on in the studio. That’s my new baby. I actually forget to eat sometimes when I’m producing a new piece because I’m so into what I’m doing. “I hope that my music will put people in a positive frame of mind. I hope my presence here brings tranquility, love, and peace.” Asked about trying Arabic instruments he said he hopes to have a go with instruments like the ‘oud during his visit here. “ I’m looking forward to hearing everything and learning about the relationship between the instruments, notes, and the rhythms being used. I want to see what do they mean to the people here.” The concert played all-time favorites of Yanni’s albums as well as a surprise piece “for the audience in Jeddah”. Razan Al-Barqawi is a long-time fan and immediately booked a seat when she heard about the concert. “I’ve been listening to him for almost 20 years, I’m very excited being here!” she said. Among the audience, some were not familiar with Yanni’s music but were thrilled to attend a rare concert in the Kingdom. For one couple, Dr. Khalid AlDebiyyan and Sara AlShebiyki, regularly attend entertainment events abroad. “We’re attending this one now for the first time in our country. We hope to have more like that here in Saudi Arabia.” Commenting on the new presence of quality entertainment in the Kingdom, they said: “We are very happy to witness such positive change in our country. In fact, we believe that our country nowadays is moving forward.“ Yanni’s tickets were immediately sold out and took place at King Abdullah Economic City and organized by the General Entertainment Authority.