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JEDDAH: Alliance Francaise recently organized its first music concert of the year in Jeddah at Batterjee Medical College.

The event featured an evening of classical music with Trio Volubilis, a trio of soloists from the Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain, directed by Bruno Mantovani.

The performance left an indelible mark on both the Saudi audience and the French community in Jeddah as they embarked on a captivating journey between sky and sea.

The Trio Volubilis, born from the collaborative efforts of three soloists Valerie Dulac on cello, Aurelie Metivier on viola, and Celine Lagoutiere on violin, skillfully guided the audience through a musical exploration.

The centerpiece of their performance was the music of the renowned French admiral and composer Jean Cras, a gem of 20th-century French chamber music.

Cras’ music, inspired by the sea and his native Brittany, offers a glimpse into his distant missions, creating a soundscape that ranges from the impetuous to the enchanting. The program, a blend of compositions from classical repertoire and contemporary creations, provided the Jeddah audience with a new musical cartography of French and European music.

The performance received rave reviews from the audience. Abdullah Abid, a senior student at Batterjee Medical College, told Arab News: “It is a new experience; the performance was unfamiliar to me, but it tells us that there is something beautiful.”

Another student, Omar Murtada, described it as a “unique musical touch,” expressing how mesmerizing and enjoyable the experience was.

Trio Volubilis, newcomers to the Kingdom, expressed their mission to introduce authentic French music to Saudi audiences, blending it seamlessly with contemporary compositions. During the concert, they skillfully navigated through different eras and musical histories, creating a rich and dynamic musical experience.

The trio also had the opportunity to explore Jeddah, visiting iconic locations such as the Al-Balad historical district, Hayy Jameel and the floating mosque, and experiencing the vibrant arts scene along the corniche.

Larry Lamartiniere, the director of Alliance Francaise in Jeddah, emphasized the organization’s role as a bridge between Saudi and French culture. Proud of their continuous efforts, Lamartiniere stated: “Throughout the whole year, we always have these kinds of events to introduce more French artists to the Saudi audience.”

The Trio Volubilis musical journey continues on Jan. 31 at Music Hub in Alkhobar.