TAIF: Hanging from suspended imitation rose flowers and dressed in white, an orchestra of Ukrainian and Russian musicians performed enchanting symphonies by Mozart and Beethoven at the Ward (Rose) Village in Taif鈥檚 Arrudaf Park as part of Taif Season.
The month-long聽Taif Season will run during August with more than 70 quality events designed to highlight the city as a popular Arab resort and leading Arab tourist destination.
Female musicians in the orchestra played from a height of seven meters, delighting large crowds with a spectacular performance of well-known symphonies.
Mashaal Al-Rashid, head of the company organizing the Rose Village Festival, told Arab News that the name 鈥楻ose Village鈥 was chosen in recognition of the importance of rose as the icon of Taif.
鈥淭he festival鈥檚 content was elaborated, and all the activities and events organized so as to promote the value, and the social and economic significance of Taif鈥檚 roses,鈥 he said.
Al-Rashid said that the hanging roses orchestra was inspired by the beauty of Taif鈥檚 mountains and their startling roses.聽
鈥淓ach flower carries a musician holding her instrument, delivering a breathtaking performance and an enjoyable experience,鈥 he said.
The orchestra includes musicians from several countries who were selected after delivering string performances in various world capitals.
聽Dr. Nayef Al-Buraq, dean of Taif University鈥檚 College of Arts, said that Taif鈥檚 character is based on its culture and location.
鈥淚t is a cultural tourist icon that evolves year after year to keep pace with the national Vision 2030, with events that attract visitors from around the world,鈥 he said.
鈥淭he programs aims to promote quality of life, reflected through the joyful Taif Season that paints a bright picture of Saudi creativity,鈥 said Al-Buraq.
He said that the challenges faced in preparing for this season included developing quality academic programs, highlighting popular arts, and attracting Arab, Saudi and international creative involvement.
鈥淭hese challenges highlight the leading role played by the Kingdom鈥檚 government in catering for culture and arts, and turning this festival into a tourist and cultural event throughout the year,鈥 he said.
Festival visitor Omar Al-Khalidi said that the event offers musical attractions and cultural arts that have long been absent from Taif.
鈥淓veryone knows that Taif is the city of arts and culture, and the first Saudi city to host a movie theater. Arrudaf Park was the scene for concerts for well-known artists such as Abdullah Mohammed, Mohammed Abdu, Talal Maddah and many other Arab talents,鈥 he said.
