• Bocelli performed many of the songs that helped to make him an international star

Arab News

ALULA: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli returned to Saudi Arabia at the weekend to perform at Maraya Concert Hall as part the Winter At Tantora Festival in AlUla. His first concert in the country was at the same venue during last year’s festival.

The opera singer serenaded a delighted audience that came from across the Kingdom and neighboring countries. He performed many of the songs that helped to make him an international star, including “Overture,” “La Donna è Mobile,” “Di Quella Pira,” and “Donna Non Vidi Mai.”

During his visit, Bocelli and his family visited several museums, as well as archaeological and historical sites.

The visually striking, mirror-walled Maraya Concert Hall is the largest theater of its kind in the world. The modern architectural masterpiece can seat five-hundred guests and is fitted with a state-of-the-art sound system.

Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Winter At Tantora festival features a wide range of cultural and artistic events inspired by areas heritage, which dates back thousands of years. In addition, there are a number of other activities and attractions, including markets, a winter garden, farms and the historic old town.

The festival continues each weekend until Mar. 7. It offers the final chance to visit AlUla’s heritage sites before they are closed to the public until October.