ALULA — Greek pianist, composer and music producer, Yanni, will perform this weekend at Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival. The performance will be his second after a completing a sold-out performance during last year’s festival.

The festival is organised by The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and offers a variety of world heritage, cultural, and artistic events, inspired by AlUla’s rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Yanni returns to bring back his unique musical touch which is considered a celebration of sensations and emotions. The world-renowned pianist and composer, who presented an extraordinary concert in the opening season of the Winter at Tantora Festival, will perform some of his most celebrated pieces in an unprecedented and reinvigorated show.

Yanni expressed his delight in taking part in this edition of the Winter at Tantora Festival: "AlUla has fascinated me with all its details. It is a uniquely inspirational place that is defined by a peculiar nature and history whose details can be read on the slopes of mountains. For the second time, I thank the Royal Commission for AlUla for organising this phenomenal festival in this exceptional place."

During last year’s performance, the Greek musician surprised the audience with a new piece composed especially for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia titled "Dreams Come True"; The dedicated piece left a significant impact on his fans. Yanni will be accompanied by a private orchestra this weekend who will assist him in performing many of his internationally acclaimed compositions.

On the backdrop of the picturesque nature of AlUla, the concert will take place at Maraya Concert Hall, the largest theatre constructed with mirrors in the world. It represents a modern architectural masterpiece and can accommodate about five-hundred guests and provides a high-quality sound system. The festival also houses many other diverse activities including the local markets, winter garden, farms, and the old town.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the festival will present a variety of activities that merge Eastern and Western culture, embodying AlUla's heritage as a meeting point for different civilisations from around the world throughout history.

The Winter at Tantora Festival offers a wide range of diverse experiences that cater to all tastes from all walks of life. The festival will take place every weekend starting Dec. 19, and running until March 7.

Guests this year will have the unique opportunity to visit the historical heritage sites before they are closed to the general public until October 2020. They will also be able to attend musical and artistic performances by some of the most respected artists in the Arab and international world. — SG