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RIYADH, Jan. 19-- "Great work presented by Lang Lang and the orchestra ... I especially love the Chinese melody," Lama, a Saudi music lover, was amazed by world-renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang's performance at the historic city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. As part of the "Winter at Tantora" festival, Lang and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra dazzled music lovers on Friday night at the UNESCO World heritage site in northwestern Saudi Arabia. "It is my first time coming to Al-Ula. It is a beautiful area." said Lama, who traveled to Al-Ula from Riyadh. "Tonight's performance is impressive." "Winter at Tantora," starting from Dec. 20 until Feb. 9, is a local music event in Al-Ula, a small town next to the ancient Nebatean site of Madein Saleh, where a number of weekend cultural and musical events are held. Al-Ula, one of the most fascinating relics in the kingdom, is some 380 km north of the Islamic holy city of Medina. More than 2,000 years old, the city was carved out from stones by the Nabataeans, the tribe that also built Petra in Jordan. "It feels incredible to listen to classical music while having the mountains in the background. I am looking forward to watching more performances here, especially from the East," said Sarah Alfayez, who also traveled to Al-Ula for the first time. "This is my first time coming to a concert played by Chinese musicians. I have seen Lang Lang's performances online but seeing him play live is really something unique. The orchestra is also very talented," Alfayez said. | 
