SHAH ALAM: Singer Zainal Abidin, known for classic tunes such as Hijau and Ikhlas Tapi Jauh, will be serenading music lovers in Rome, Italy, next Tuesday.
The 57-year-old entertainer will be joining a list of global artistes that include Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, multiple Grammy Award-winner David Foster and British musical theatre actress Elaine Paige at a special concert, dubbed Music for Mercy.
Hosted for free by Abiah Music, the live event will be held at the historic grounds of Rome’s Forum, which is considered the heart of the ancient city and home to some of the world’s most important archaeological discoveries.
“It is a great honour to be selected to represent Malaysia at this prestigious event,” said Zainal, when met at his luxurious abode in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam yesterday.
“I’ll be backed by an orchestra during the show and I’ll definitely be singing my famous tunes like Hijau during my four to six-song set,” added the singer, who will fly off to Rome on Friday with his wife and manager, Angelina Asmawi.
“The show takes place on the evening of July 26 but I’ll be there till the end of the month just to travel around the country and visit places like Milan and Venice.”
“I’m very excited to share the stage with such renowned talent and I also hope to have some fellowship with the artistes and network with the likes of David Foster and Andrea Bocelli,” said the former frontman of popular 1980s band Headwind, who made a big splash as a solo artiste in the 1990s with his unique brand of music.
It is the first time permission has been granted for an event at the historic Forum, which will feature many more artistes from different cultures and countries.
Among them are Italian tenor Giovanni Caccamo, Canadian vocal group The Tenors and Syrian clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, with others to be included later on.
The concert will also feature the Roma United Orchestra, helmed by famed Chinese conductor Tan Dun.
“It’s a celebration of universal values and humanity through music. With what’s happening in the world right now, we certainly need more peace and unity,” said Zainal.