World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed at Maraya Concert Hall last weekend during the Winter At Tantora Festival in Al-Ula. Bocelli serenaded an audience who flew in from various regions in the Kingdom and neighbouring countries. Bocelli performed several of his greatest hits, which won him international recognition, including Overture, La Donna è Mobile, Di Quella Pira, and Donna Non Vidi Mai. The international artist lauded the efforts of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the organizer of the festival, after visiting several museums, as well as archaeological and historical sites, in the governorate with his family. There, he was immersed in local culture and introduced to the various events that the Winter at Tantora Festival has to offer. Against the backdrop of the picturesque nature of Al-Ula, the concert took place at Maraya Concert Hall, the largest theater constructed with mirrors in the world. It represents a modern architectural masterpiece and can accommodate 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. A well-known crossover performer, Bocelli is credited with attracting a variety of audiences to classical music and opera. He was interested in music at an early age and began to learn to play the piano at the tender age of six and later learned to play the flute and the saxophone. In addition to his collaborative works with international musicians, Bocelli released over 16 studio albums and was awarded the Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; one of the highest honors one can receive in Italy. Alongside his many achievements, Bocelli received Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist in 1999, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his song "Sogno" in 2000, as well as Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for his song "The Prayer. More recently, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his album Si (Decca/Sugar).
