‘Frozen' in concert melts hearts at Ithra
The two-day live event at Ithra, which concluded with two performances on July 9, featured a full orchestra performing the film's score live on stage while the original movie plays on a screen with dialogue and vocals intact.
The music was played live on stage, resulting in an immersive, multi-sensory experience for audiences of all ages.
A sea of tulle could be seen as young girls in Queen Elsa-inspired ice-blue gowns filled the theater, with long lines forming at a nearby 'Frozen'-themed space offering optional printed keepsakes for those who patiently waited.
Arab News spoke with audience member Norah Al-Otaibi and her 5-year-old daughter, Mai, during the 20-minute intermission.
'It's my third time watching it — the first two times was at home. This is nice but I like watching it at home more because you can turn it on or off whenever you want,' said Mai.
'Here, you have to wait until the song you want comes on. But I like the music and singing part here more, it's better than the regular screening.'
Mai, who turns 6 soon, attended the concert screening as an early birthday present.
Al-Otaibi, a fan of the film herself, added: 'Ithra gave it a nice vibe. It's definitely not just a regular viewing experience, they elevated it.'
Returning to the podium was Erik Ochsner, considered one of the leading conductors in the film-with-live-orchestra format. He led 'The Lion King' in concert at Ithra a few days prior and shared his enthusiasm ahead of the performance.
'Perhaps we're going to build a snowman together and you must be ready to let it go,' Ochsner told the crowd, hinting at the ever-popular songs 'Let It Go' and 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?'
'I'm thrilled to be able to share the stage tonight with the wonderful musicians from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra … you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful center here, Ithra,' he added.
Ochsner conducted the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under artistic director and principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan.
At Ithra's 'Frozen' concert, the audience sang along to the catchy, now classic songs, from the film.
Released in 2013, 'Frozen' was inspired by the 1844 original novel-styled fairytale narrative 'The Snow Queen,' written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Arendelle, while a fictional Kingdom, is inspired by the real Norwegian town of Arendal.
It tells a heartwarming story of a newly-crowned young Nordic queen, Elsa, with secret ice-making powers who accidentally freezes everything in her path as her fearless sister, Anna, sets out to save her — and the whole kingdom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
From ‘What If?' to ‘Wow!' at children's festival
DHAHRAN: The inaugural Children's Festival being held under the theme 'What if?' at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is designed to 'inspire imagination, encourage connection, and make space for discovery,' an official told Arab News recently. Nouf Al-Jama, the head of learning at Ithra, added: 'The program invites children to express themselves, engage with their surroundings, and experience culture in new and exciting ways.' The event, which began on July 7 and runs until July 26 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. The festival features 50 diverse activities including live performances, interactive stations, creative zones, workshops and a book fair, to encourage critical and creative thinking. • The Children's Festival's artistic zones invite kids and their families to explore color, motion, and self-expression. • The five-day Children's Book Fair runs until July 19 and includes 20 local and international publishing houses. • South Korea is this year's guest of honor, offering a window into its culture through stories and illustrations. The artistic zones invite children and their families to explore color, motion, and self-expression. One such experience combines rhythm and culinary arts, transforming everyday kitchen utensils into instruments of sound and joy. '(The festival) gives children the freedom to express themselves and feel heard — whether through painting in the interactive art space, uncovering clues in the museum adventure, or stepping onto the open mic stage,' said Al-Jama. The sessions have experts from local and regional institutions including the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, Abu Dhabi Children's Library, House of Wisdom in Sharjah, and King Abdulaziz Public Library. Parents and guardians are invited to join workshops, engage in conversations with other parents and build memories. 'It is this sense of togetherness, where children and families learn and grow side by side, that makes the festival so special,' Al-Jama added. With schools closed and summertime in full swing, local children are immersing themselves in the festival. 'The response so far has been incredibly encouraging. From the very first day, we have seen families arriving early and staying for hours, moving from one experience to the next. 'Children have embraced the festival with curiosity and confidence,' she said of the opening week. Additionally, the five-day Children's Book Fair at Ithra runs until July 19, and includes 20 local and international publishing houses specializing in literature for children and young adults. South Korea is this year's guest of honor, offering a window into its culture through stories and illustrations. 'It is part of Ithra's ongoing efforts to support the next generation by using culture as a tool for exploration, growth, and shared experience,' Al-Jama said.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Kermal – Lebanese lounge in Jeddah
Located on Al-Kayyal Street in Jeddah, Kermal welcomes you with soft yellow lighting, a cozy interior and vibrant artwork. This Lebanese lounge blends classic flavors with comfort, creating a modern take on a traditional Beirut home. The menu features lots of familiar favorites and a few standouts. We started with the creamy chicken mushroom soup, which was rich and satisfying, served with toast and a squeeze of lemon. The rocaa salad with beetroot was fresh and tangy and made for a simple and pleasant starter. Other appetizers include the shrimp fatteh, which had a crispy, creamy tang thanks to the house salsa and the grape leaves and fried potato cubes with yogurt, which were also very tasty. For mains, the Kermal mixed grill, including juicy lamb chops, tender kebabs and well-seasoned shish tawook served with grilled vegetables, tahini and garlic sauce, was a highlight. Priced at SR135 ($36) it is a generous platter for sharing. The cherry kebab offers a sweet-savory twist and is worth trying, while the sea bass sayadieh was served with fragrant fish rice topped with fried onions and nuts. For dessert, the kashta booza made a refreshing finish — creamy and fragrant with a pistachio crunch. Drinks like the pink mojito and raspberry cooler were sweet and enjoyable. Kermal also has a breakfast menu and lunch deals for options throughout the day. Visit Instagram @ for more details.
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Haql Summer Festival boosts tourism, economy
JEDDAH: With schools on summer holiday, children and parents are embracing a season of relaxation, exploration, and entertainment. From coastal getaways to mountain retreats, families across Saudi Arabia are making the most of summer with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories. The Haql Summer Festival, being held at Prince Fahd bin Sultan Park, runs until mid-September. It offers a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park with electric and inflatable rides, a family seating area, and an open-air theater featuring traditional performances, competitions, and daily prizes. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shopping, and essential services, ensuring a well-rounded experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The festival aims to boost tourism in Haql, stimulate the local economy, increase commercial activity, and create job opportunities, positioning the region as a unique and attractive destination. Haql, located in northwest Saudi Arabia in the Tabuk region and overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, boasts clear views of several neighboring countries' coastlines. The festival is part of the Saudi Summer program, which runs until September and showcases the Kingdom's diverse tourism offerings — from mountains and beaches to international events and exclusive deals, catering to all travelers.
