Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa to perform New Year's Eve gig with star tenor Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi

Lebanese singer says Italian tenor has been an inspiration since she was a child

Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa will perform alongside Andrea Bocelli in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mayssa Kaara

Mayssa Karaa has revealed that she is the guest act for Andrea Bocelli's New Year's Eve gala concert in Abu Dhabi.

The Lebanese singer will perform alongside the Italian tenor at Emirates Palace. While she can't disclose details of what her involvement will entail, Karaa revealed that discussions about the show have taken place.

“I have already begun working with Bocelli's team and they are really amazing, humble, co-operative and care about creating an environment around him that is very positive,” she told The National.

“It does feel incredible to share the stage with Bocelli, who has been an inspiration to me since I was a child. His works are close to my heart and have been part of my repertoire throughout my career and I can't wait to share with everyone what we have in store.”

Karaa is no stranger to the big stage. While nurturing the next generation of talent as artistic director at Berklee Abu Dhabi, the artist has already notched up plenty of big performances including sharing the stage with Arab pop star Hussain Al Jassmi and fellow Emirati talent Almas to perform the Expo 2020 Dubai official anthem during the opening ceremony.

This is in addition to being one of the headliners of the 2023 Beiteddine Festival in Lebanon and her a breakthrough performance on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of the 2013 Oscar-nominated film American Hustle. In 2019 she released her English solo debut album Simple Cure.

“I think what I've learnt most, and continue to witness, is how music has no boundaries and has the power to unite people,” Karaa said. “It gives us creators an opportunity to bridge cultures, highlighting what is common between them rather than focusing on differences. This kind of opportunity allows us to have conversations that wouldn't be possible in other dimensions and enables us to create something new.”

Bocelli's Abu Dhabi show will set him up for an intensive year of touring. His 2025 schedule is already booked until July, with shows in North and South America, Europe and South Africa. His most recent album is the seasonal 2022 release A Family Christmas with son and daughter Matteo and Virginia Bocelli.

Andrea Bocelli and Mayssa Karaa perform at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi on December 31. Doors open at 8pm; dinner packages start at Dh4,500