Balqees Continues to Establish Herself on the World Stage as First Arab Artist to Perform with the Legendary Andrea Bocelli

On April 22, 2016, at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi, Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees joined iconic tenor Andrea Bocelli on stage. Accompanied by the UAE-based NSO Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the duo dedicated a soaring rendition of Bocelli's "Canto Della Terra" to the memory of Prince.

Eager to showcase a peaceful, art-loving image of the Arab world, far removed from the violence, war and terrorism with which it is too often associated, Balqees expressed gratitude at the opportunity to achieve such a milestone, hoping for future global, operatic success. A member of the UAE NSO Symphony Orchestra since 2013, Balqees possesses a gifted range, mastering opera in four languages - Arabic, English, French and Italian - and has performed for prestigious audiences worldwide.

Speaking of this historic performance, Balqees enthused, "It was an honor to be the first Arabic artist to perform with the legendary Andrea Bocelli. I came to know how kind and down to earth this person is after I worked with him. I wish to repeat this amazing experience and sing with him again, for this has enriched and added a lot to my journey."