Riyadh: Saudi Arabia) : Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Music Authority, the Music Authority concluded the “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert in its sixth tour at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh. Which was held over 3 nights, with the participation of 95 performers from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, and 7 performing arts groups.
The event was held in the presence of the CEO of the Music Authority, Paul Pacifico, and Their Highnesses and Excellencies, a number of officials, businessmen, media professionals and artists, in addition to a large audience.
In his opening speech, the CEO of the Authority praised the holding of the first performance of the masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra in the Kingdom, after a series of world tours that contributed to conveying the Saudi musical heritage, and strengthened global ties by building musical bridges; Attributing what was achieved during the concerts of the masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra to the support of His Highness the Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Music Authority.
The concert featured exceptional musical performances by the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, led by Maestro Reab Ahmed, Hani Farhat and Medhat Abdel Salam, with the participation of Saudi performing arts groups, in musical performances inspired by the rich and diverse Saudi musical and performing heritage, including Al-Samri, Al-Yanbuawi, Al-Khatwa, Al-Rabsh, Al-Khamari, Al-Majrour, Al-Liwa and Al-Khabaiti.
The concert was the culmination of a journey full of success and brilliance, embodying the Kingdom’s musical identity in front of a wide audience, reflecting the extent of awareness of local art and highlighting the journey of Saudi music in a manner befitting its antiquity, in a step that enhances the Kingdom’s cultural presence locally and globally.
It is noteworthy that the “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” embarked on a successful world tour that included the most prominent international theaters, as it began its journey in Paris at the Hall du Chatelet Theater, then continued its brilliance in Mexico at the National Theater, and dazzled the audience in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater, and also excelled in London at the Central Hall Westminster Theater, and concluded its international tours for the year 2024 with a special concert held last November at the Tokyo Opera City Theater in the Japanese capital; arriving in the homeland, which reflects the Authority’s commitment to supporting musical talents and enhancing the status of Saudi songs locally and internationally.
Mr. Paul, the CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, was questioned regarding Pakistan. In response, he stated that a sizable portion of the Pakistani population in Saudi Arabia considers the country to be their second home. We are working to add Pakistan’s name in the upcoming international tour and celebrate with the talented Pakistani singers and musicians.