By Abdulaziz Hammad

Saudi Gazette


JEDDAH — In line with Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to empower the cultural sector, the Italian Consulate General in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Culture brought the best of Italian opera to the heart of Historic Jeddah on the occasion of the 19th Italian language week in the world.

The opera concert titled “Love is in the Arias” took place at Barahat Nassif in front of the iconic historical House Nassif, which was the first house to welcome and host King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, when he arrived in Jeddah in December 1925.

Thus this concert combined the historical beauty of the Kingdom alongside the majestic Italian arias & operas.

The opera singers performed several iconic Italian operas such as “La Traviata” by Giussipen Verde, “La donna e mobile” and “il mio babbino caro” alongside artistic acting performances.

Italian Consul General Stefano Stucci told Saudi Gazette: “The event was organized in the framework of the 19th Edition of the Italian Language Week in the world. This year the dedication to the Italian language was through theater and opera. We did it in the Balad because we want to help the Ministry of Culture plans to relaunch historic Jeddah as the cultural and artistic art of the city. It is a beautiful place full of history and we want to be part of its ‘renaissance’.”

Stucci added: “Under Vision 2030 the Kingdom had adopted a new cultural strategy and Italy, being a “cultural superpower” wants to be a partner in this endeavor. Events like the opera concert are a concrete sign that we are ready to work together in all fields.”