Carole Samaha on Cedar Night: A tribute to Saudi Arabia and a dazzling performance at Riyadh Season
Lebanese star Carole Samaha her immense joy and pride in participating in the "Night of the Cedars" concert, held as part of the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia. Carole described this participation as a shining milestone in her artistic career, feeling that she was not only representing herself but also carrying a cultural and artistic message as an icon of Lebanese song, alongside a distinguished group of fellow artists who graced this exceptional evening.
The "Night of the Cedars" holds special significance beyond being merely a musical performance; it represents a cultural bridge connecting the majestic mountains of Lebanon with the golden sands of Riyadh. This event takes place within a historical context that reflects the deep fraternal ties between the Lebanese and Saudi peoples, as the Kingdom has long been a cradle of authentic Arab art. This evening celebrates the rich Lebanese musical heritage, underscoring the role of Riyadh Season as a global platform that brings together cultures and showcases the artistic diversity of the Arab region.
A gift from the heart to the Saudi people
In a special gesture that garnered widespread audience acclaim, Carole Samaha revealed the reason behind her choice to perform a special Lebanese "mawwal" (a traditional vocal improvisation) during the concert. She explained that despite her usual artistic inclination towards Arabic pop music and works that blend romance with fast tempos, she found "Laylat al-Arz" (The Night of the Cedars) to be the perfect opportunity to present this traditional style. She emphasized that the mawwal was written specifically as a gift of love and appreciation from the Lebanese people to the Saudi people, expressing gratitude and the strong bonds that unite the two nations.
The awe of Abu Bakr Salem's theater
The Lebanese artist also spoke about her experience performing at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, describing it as one of the most challenging and difficult stages for any artist, given its vast size and spacious hall, which demands a strong stage presence (charisma) and a high level of communication with large audiences. Despite this challenge, Carole emphasized that it is one of the most beautifully organized and equipped theaters in the Arab world, and that performing there instills in the artist a sense of awe and responsibility to deliver their best performance.
The cultural impact of Riyadh Season
The success of events like "Laylat Al-Arz" reflects the growing influence of Riyadh Season on the regional and international cultural and artistic landscape. Riyadh has transformed into a capital of art, attracting top stars and providing a professional environment of the highest international standards. This artistic movement is not limited to entertainment; it also contributes to strengthening soft power and cultural exchange, opening new horizons for artistic collaboration among Arab creators.
In closing, Carole Samaha expressed her deep gratitude to Benchmark for the professional organization befitting the event's stature. She also extended special thanks to His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh , Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, praising his meticulous attention to technical details and his commitment to presenting Arabic art in its finest form. She affirmed that her focus in the coming period will be on new musical releases, while not ruling out venturing into new musical theater productions, building upon her previous successes in this field, which she loves and considers an integral part of her artistic identity.
