Jeddah’s Dar Al-Hekma University hosts music event

Almost 1,200 spectators packed the Prince Bandar bin Sultan auditorium at Dar Al-Hekma University to witness the Nation’s Tone music concert on Thursday. (Photo: Supplied)

• The show included performances from singers Tariq Abdul-Hakeem, Isa Al-Hasawi, and Talal Maddah
• Dar Al-Hekma University hosted an Egyptian opera performance that delighted the Jeddah audience in July

JEDDAH: On Thursday night, almost 1,200 spectators packed the Prince Bandar bin Sultan auditorium at Dar Al-Hekma University to witness the Nation’s Tone music concert.
The event, organized by the General Culture Authority (GCA), is a celebration of Arab musical traditions, and is part of a wider plan to bring art to all sections of Saudi society.
Songs and folk dances, including Najdi, Dosary and Khubaity, passed down over generations and from various parts of Saudi Arabia, were featured alongside modern, expressive depictions of the Kingdom.
The show also included performances from singers Tariq Abdul-Hakeem, Isa Al-Hasawi, Talal Maddah and many others.
One especially poignant moment was when Areej Abdullah, daughter of the late Saudi musician Abdullah Mohammed, took to the stage, where she was greeted with a wave of applause.
The night also saw 11-year-old Hajjer Mohammed perform “Enta Malik” (“You Are a King”) by Rabih Saqr to a standing ovation.
She told Arab News that she began to sing aged 4, and that her favorite singer is Emirati artist Hessein Al-Jismi.
The GCA was founded in May 2016, and is dedicated to organizing and promoting artistic events that encourage cultural continuity between generations.
It aims to enhance knowledge of Saudi heritage and its development over time, with emphasis on the historical lineage of its different regions.
In July, Dar Al-Hekma University hosted an Egyptian opera performance that delighted the Jeddah audience with a blend of modern and traditional scores.