Rice Night at Riyadh Season: Ragheb, Assi, and Carole shine
In a captivating artistic evening where the mountains of Lebanon embraced the sands of Najd, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed an exceptional night entitled "The Night of the Cedars," as part of the Riyadh Season events that continue to dazzle the world with their cultural and artistic diversity. The Abu Bakr Salem Theater was transformed into a stage for pure Lebanese creativity, where three giants of Arab music—Ragheb Alama, Assi El Hallani, and Carole Samaha—came together to present a rich feast of traditional and authentic music.
Riyadh Season: A Hub for Arab Art
This evening reaffirmed Riyadh Season's status as a global destination for entertainment and culture, and a major hub for Arab art in all its forms. "The Night of the Cedars" was more than just a musical performance; it was a testament to the deep cultural and fraternal ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. The stage featured a stunning visual design inspired by the symbolism of the majestic cedar tree, adding an aesthetic and patriotic dimension that resonated deeply with the audience and reflected the organizers' commitment to providing a comprehensive visual and auditory experience worthy of the tastes of Saudi and Arab audiences.
Assi El Hallani... The pride of the mountain song
The evening opened with authentic melodies, as the "Knight of Arabic Song," Assi El Hallani, delivered a vibrant and energetic performance in the Lebanese mountain style. With a commanding stage presence, El Hallani ignited the audience with a selection of his timeless masterpieces, including "Wani Mareq Mareet" and "Lebnani," in addition to his famous song "Khallik Bi Qalbi." The Lebanese mawwal was also present, as his voice resonated with mawwals that shook the very foundations of the theater. He concluded his set with a medley of traditional songs that evoked memories of a bygone era, amidst enthusiastic audience participation that reflected the enduring popularity of this folkloric genre in the Kingdom.
Ragheb Alama... A Journey of Love and Memories
In the second segment, superstar Ragheb Alama took to the stage, taking the audience on a journey through his rich musical archive of hits. Alama effortlessly transitioned between romantic ballads and upbeat rhythms, performing a selection of his most beautiful songs, including "Qalbi Ashiqha" (My Heart Loves Her), "Ya Reit" (I Wish), and "Nassini El Donya" (Make Me Forget the World). The biggest surprise Ragheb had prepared for the Riyadh audience was the release of a special and exclusive song titled "Laylat Arz" (A Night of Cedars), with lyrics by poet Tony Abi Karam and music composed by Alama himself. This was a token of love and appreciation for the Kingdom and its people, and a celebration of this historic night that brought together Lebanese stars in the heart of Riyadh.
Carole Samaha... a captivating musical drama
The evening concluded with a performance by the star Carole Samaha, who captivated the audience with her sophisticated and theatrical flair. With her powerful voice and commanding presence, Carole performed a selection of her songs that blend revolutionary fervor and deep emotion, including "Fawda" (Chaos), "Adwaa' Al-Shuhra" (Lights of Fame), and "Itla' Fiyyi" (Look at Me). She also delivered a masterful rendition of "Ya Rabb" (Oh Lord), which the audience enthusiastically sang along to. Carole's set was distinguished by its musical diversity, seamlessly blending classical and modern styles, creating a wonderful artistic balance throughout the concert.
Widespread resonance and cultural impact
"Laylat Al-Arz" (The Night of the Rice) achieved resounding success that extended far beyond the stage, with clips from the concert dominating social media platforms and receiving extensive coverage across the Arab world. This success reflects the public's thirst for authentic art and highlights the Kingdom's pioneering role in reshaping the region's artistic landscape by attracting top stars and organizing world-class events that bolster the cultural and artistic movement in the Middle East.
