The Royal Embassy of Norway and the Royal Embassy of Denmark organized Nordic Concert at the Royal Danish Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter on October 3, 2021. Three musicians of Trio Embla: Helene Schroeder, Astrid Sofie Nielsen (Denmark), and Vera Aadland (Norway), performed a concert of classical music.
Danish Ambassador, H.E. Ole Moesby, delivered opening remarks saying that changes in Saudi Arabia are remarkable. The Ambassador further continued: “Since I arrived in the Kingdom four years ago, I have witnessed a number of changes. Nevertheless, the concept of live concerts and female performers is still a relatively new experience in the Kingdom; therefore, I am very pleased to welcome our musicians from Norway and Denmark.”
H.E. Ole Moesby welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of Norway to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Thomas Lid Ball, who emphasized that cultural diplomacy, particularly the Trio Embla concert, was the best way to start his service. “When I arrived in the Kingdom, I was told that I am a lucky ambassador who will witness rapid changes taking place in Saudi Arabia,” highlighted H.E. Thomas Lid Ball.
The ambassadors of Denmark and Norway stressed that the concert became one of the reflections of their agenda in the framework of Nordic cooperation aimed at strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia in various fields. Reflecting on this momentous event, they praised the concert as one of the most remarkable accomplishments in the past few years.
The musicians of Trio Embla appreciated the opportunity to perform and discover Saudi Arabia. When asked about their experience and impressions from Saudi Arabia, Helene Schroeder said, “I believe this is a wonderful country that is undergoing tremendous changes, including women empowerment, and the way society works for the growth of Saudi Arabia. It is also heartwarming to see that the country’s oil-dependent economy is transforming into a green economy striving for a better environment.”
Vera Aadland noted that although this was her first long journey, especially in the Middle East, the experience was extremely positive: “Saudi Arabia and Saudi society are very different from what I knew from Norway and Denmark, and it is interesting to see how different countries work and cooperate.”
Astrid Sofie Nielsen resumed the thoughts of her fellow teammates, highlighting the politeness and generosity of Saudis: “People are very welcoming here, even without knowing who we are. They welcomed us with open arms and hearts. Last but not least, we are delighted to see that musical life in the Kingdom is flourishing and music schools are opening.”
