Arts
The artist Fadl Shaker performed two concerts titled "The Return of the Absent" in Riyadh on October 22 and 23, accompanied by a large musical ensemble consisting of 85 musicians from six different nationalities, under the direction of maestro Majd Jreideh, marking his return after an absence of about 14 years. The concerts took place at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater in Boulevard City, as part of the Riyadh Season events. Preparations included forming a complete band combining Eastern, Western, string, and percussion instruments, tailored to Fadl Shaker's unique singing style. Maestro Majd Jreideh led the ensemble, which included musicians from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece, creating a diverse musical blend of various artistic schools. The musicians were distributed with 50 violin and cello players, five viola players, three on organ and piano, two on buzuq, and two on guitar. The band also featured a oud player, a ney player, a qanun player, an accordion player, a saxophonist, a clarinetist, nine percussionists, and a choir of nine members. This musical arrangement allowed live performances of Fadl Shaker's songs, combining Eastern character with Western instruments, focusing on highlighting the distinctiveness of his voice and singing style. The band is scheduled to continue accompanying Fadl Shaker in his upcoming concert with his son, artist Mohammed Shaker, on October 30 at the Khobar Arena in the Saudi city of Khobar. The concert is organized by Benchmark Company as part of the Riyadh Season events, marking a new chapter in Fadl Shaker's return to public performances.
