The Symphoniker Hamburg Orchestra enthralled its audience last week at Saha, the community courtyard of Hay Jameel in Jeddah.
In a 90-minute open-air concert, the artists – Susanne Barner, Mark Reiner, Elmar Hönig, Christian Ganzhorn, Peter Gulica, Katharina Ivanova and Mihaly Andras – captivated the audience with beautiful traditional and contemporary pieces highlighting the culture of Germany took.
Founded in 1957, the Symphoniker Hamburg has always been an orchestra for the people of Hamburg and the aim of the ensemble was to let the world discover the musical life of the city.
Dr. Eltze Aderhold, Consul General of Germany to the Kingdom, said: “Since Jeddah has a lot to offer in terms of techno music, festivals and all kinds of other amazing events, we felt the need to bring classical German music to Jeddah and present it Happened to the people. The Hamburg Symphonic was our first choice because it is one of the prestigious orchestras that includes top level musicians and composers in Germany and throughout Europe.
“This is the first time the Symphoniker Hamburg Orchestra has performed in Saudi Arabia. It is an honor and a privilege to host it at Hay Jameel where art and artists are celebrated.
Sarah Al-Omran, deputy director of Art Jameel, told Arab News that the musical performance was part of the second year of Hay’s winter season concerts under the stars.
“With this program we aim to provide a platform for emerging Saudi musicians while allowing the Jeddah public to experience a diverse music program, from contemporary and experimental sounds to classical music, from Saudi Arabia and around the world.”
“We are excited to host this concert in our central outdoor courtyard. It has been a pleasure collaborating with the Symphoniker Hamburg. The musicians who are with us tonight usually perform in major concert halls and we Excited to perform in a more intimate setting this evening,” Al-Omran said.
Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel and Jameel Arts Centre, said: “At Hey Jameel, we are really about providing Jeddah audiences with the widest possible access to the arts which includes classical music, fashion, design, visual arts and cinema. Some are included.
“Our main objective is to get access to some of the highest quality musicians in Europe and bring them to Jeddah in this open-ended setting that does not allow them to enjoy music together.
“In all our past and present events at Hay Jameel, we have seen that Jeddah has such an appreciation for art… and the thirst to discover new art forms is clearly seen among the people.”