85 Musicians Accompany Fadl Shaker in His Stage Comeback

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 of 85 musicians from six different nationalities, led by maestro Majd Jreideh, marking his return after approximately 14 years away from the stage. The concerts took place at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater in Boulevard City as part of Riyadh Season events, featuring preparations that included forming a complete band combining Eastern, Western, string, and percussion instruments suited to Fadl Shaker's singing style. Maestro Majd Jreideh led the band, which included musicians from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece, creating a diverse musical formation blending various artistic schools. The musicians were distributed as follows: 50 violin and cello players, five viola players, three organ and piano players, two players each on the buzuq and guitar, as well as players on the oud, ney, qanun, accordion, saxophone, and clarinet, alongside nine percussionists and a nine-member choir. This arrangement enabled live musical renditions of Fadl Shaker's songs, combining Eastern character with Western instruments, emphasizing the uniqueness of his voice and singing style. The musical ensemble is set to continue accompanying Fadl Shaker in his upcoming concert with his son, artist Mohammed Shaker, on October 30 at the Al Khobar Arena stage in the Saudi city of Al Khobar. The concert is organized by Benchmark Company as part of Riyadh Season activities, marking a new chapter in Fadl Shaker's return to public performances.