The Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert is an international performance organized by the Music Commission, one of the entities of the Ministry of Culture, in 2022. It was staged at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, bringing together the Saudi National Music Band and Choir with the French Philharmonic Orchestra.
The evening carried a historic marker. It was the first Arab participation in the history of Theatre du Chatelet, and the first time a Saudi ensemble and a French orchestra shared that stage in a combined performance.
Who performed at the Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert
Twenty-two musicians and forty singers from the Saudi National Music Band took part alongside the French Philharmonic Orchestra. The two groups delivered a joint program built around the best known Saudi songs, including Shertan al-Zahab, Kol Ma nasnas, Majomooat Ensan and Mn Aathabi.
The Saudi National Music Band also performed a solo set of folk material drawn from several traditional arts: Al-Majrour, which combines poetry, singing and dance, Mezmar, Al-Khabiti and Samri.
The French program at the Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert
The French Philharmonic Orchestra gave its own solo performance, including a piece on the city of Jeddah by the Italian classical composer Bernardi, performed on stage for the first time, along with classical international works.
Pairing a first performance of a Jeddah-inspired composition with Saudi folk repertoire gave the concert a clear structure. Each side presented its own material before the two met. Readers exploring the coastal city behind that piece can start with the Jeddah city guide.
Building the music sector at home
The Music Commission works on more than international showcases. It creates opportunities to learn music, raises awareness of music culture in society, and handles the production and governance of live cultural performances and amateur music education centers.
It also documents Saudi folklore and musical performance, feeding musical cultural awareness into the requirements of the Quality of Life Program. Training programs, scholarships and professional and educational tracks are offered to people with talent in the field.
The Ministry of Culture supported this direction by launching a unified electronic portal for cultural scholarships in 2020. The commission’s stated aim is to embed culture in daily life, including giving all children the chance to learn music. Related developments include the launch of Riyadh University of Arts and the ministry’s partnership work with digital platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the concert held?
At Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, in 2022.
How many Saudi performers took part?
Twenty-two musicians and forty singers from the Saudi National Music Band.
Which entity organized it?
The Music Commission, one of the entities of the Ministry of Culture.
The wider cultural push
Performances abroad sit alongside a steady build-out of the domestic sector, which is where most of the long-term work happens. For related coverage, see the growth of Saudi cinema, the Film Commission at Berlinale, the national policy for the Arabic language, the country’s UNESCO listed heritage, and its festivals and events. The Ministry of Culture publishes program updates.
