Ana Ba’acha’ak”… We Adore you as well Mayada!

(ST)_ “Ana Ba’acha’ak”, (I adore you) the very famous song -dating back to 35 years ago- of Mayada El Henawi, an iconic name in the Syrian singing tradition, was repeated three times at the Syrian Opera House. Mayada El Henawi initiated the Opera House concerts, accompanying the 61st Damascus International Fair activities on the 26th of August, with grandiose interaction from her audience, after an extensive absence from her homeland stages.

Madame Mayada El Henawi, performed many of her well known songs with her marvelous voice, under the Syrian National Orchestra maestro, Mr. Adnan Fathallah. What was charming in the concert was her interaction with the audience and the breaks between songs, were moments of deep emotions, “To sing from that place after so many years, especially after the war, is really overwhelming.

I really miss you. “she joyfully exclaimed.       On the concert sidelines, Syriatimes interviewed Madame Mayada, who was very happy to be in her homeland again and to re-launch her coming back from Damascus Opera House, “I really appreciate being part of the Opera House concert festival accompanying the 61st Damascus International Fair, particularly holding the opening concert.” She stated.

Speaking about the role of artists outside their countries Madame Mayada explained “Artists are ambassadors of their homeland abroad. They have to be an icon representing the values, traditions and culture of their countries.”Taking Syriatimes as an example for a medium of communication for overseas audience “Such newspapers should be distributed all over the world to show the real face of Syria” She exclaimed.

Regarding her participation in Damascus International Fair concerts alongside great names of the Arabic singers like Fairouz, Wadih ElSafi, Oum Kalthoum, “I have participated in several sessions of the Damascus International Fair, when it was in its old headquarter in Damascus City center. I hold lovely memories of those times” she said, expressing melancholy for the old days.

Among the audience who was awaiting in the Opera House hall, Syriatimes meet Nadine, a well-known name in the Syrian drama, and had a small chat with her about her opinion concerning Mayada’s concert. She showed eagerness to attend and listen to Mayada, which needs a specific mood “Mazaj” as she expressed.

Syriatimes as well, met Ms. Elham Shahin, an eminent Egyptian actress, who offereda rose bouquet to Mayada El Henawi at the end of her performance at the Opera House stage and made a small speech to celebrate Mayada’s coming back home and to salute Syria and the Syrian people, for whom she shows so much love and appreciation through attending on regular bases the Damascus International Fair, and other cultural activities in Syria.

 Finally, the overall atmosphere of this exceptional night was plenty of deep emotions overwhelming Madame Mayada El Haenawi and her loving audience.

Interviewed and reported by: Lama Alhassanieh