TAIF: The concert performed by Arabic singer Mohammad Abdo at the Souq Okaz theater refreshed and revived the hopes of Saudis for the return of this artistic and cultural activity to its past glory and see their favorite Saudi singers perform at such concerts inside Saudi Arabia.
A number of intellectuals agreed on the importance of the return of musical concerts to the stage, asserting that the Entertainment Authority is the solution and an important requirement to reduce the material expenditure by Saudis who travel outside the country to attend such concerts, a local publication reported.
Rehab Abu Zaid, an intellectual member of society said: “A normal ordinary life mostly involves art and harmony with the environment, and people of different temperaments. The daily natural life of the human being involves joy and sorrow and humans in nature are inclined to express feelings of such variations by poetry and drama, or arts and singing. Such revival of art in general here in the Kingdom will take us to a more aesthetic and creative dimensions.”
Sakinah Al-Mushakhis said art is a civilized and human endeavour, adding: “The Kingdom was always in the lead with its history of musical concerts dating to more than 50 years ago when the first such concerts were broadcast on Saudi television. Our prestigious singer Ibtisam Lutfi sang on national radio under official approval, laying the foundations of our humanitarian heritage which we are proud of until this day.”
She added that the economic aspects will correspond with the development of the economic returns because many young people go to neighboring countries to attend such concerts. “When organizing these concerts in the theaters of the country, this will generate economic returns which will enrich the economy and save, at the same time, huge amounts of money the youths spend on travel.”
Mohammad Alwan said reviving musical concerts will make the artist feels appreciated in his home country.
He added: “It’s important to hold such events because singing not only means fighting extremism and violence, or being a good tourism payoff, but also because it carries an important weight in the minds of people and will help in changing traditional views.”
Hassan Al-Qudra said reviving the musical concerts in the Kingdom will spare Saudis the financial losses they incur when they travel abroad to attend these concerts, and put a curb on the brokerage terms exerted by some brokers.
Hiyam Abu Rish believes the tickets for the concerts should be sold at nominal prices to avoid tampering, and that it should be advertised on social networks.
She said the concert by Arabic singer Mohammad Abdo was a positive step by the organizers of Souq Okaz especially since the concert was held free of charge.
Writer Fayez Al-Khalid said on the economic side of reviving the musical concerts will boost local hotel occupancy, restaurants, shops and other businesses in the area.
Souk Okaz performance spurs call for return of live concerts
Souk Okaz performance spurs call for return of live concerts
