‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ concert debuts at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City

‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ concert debuts at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City

• The Saudi Music Commission collaborated with the Saudi Theatre and Performing Arts Commission for a first-of-its-kind "Marvels of Saudi Orchestra" concert in the United States. 

• The concert featured the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir as well as the Saudi Performing Arts Ensemble, who performed alongside the American Jazz ensemble, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, in a unique collaborative segment.

• The concert was the third stop on the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” global tour journeying through an impressive variety of international cities.

On Sunday, September 17^th, the Saudi Music Commission presented the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” in concert as part of an ambitious global tour in collaboration with the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission. The event, which took place in New York City, was hosted at the iconic Metropolitan Opera House – The Met – a cultural landmark located in the heart of the city. 

By uniting musical talents from across Saudi and the U.S., this exclusive performance was an extraordinary showcase of artistic fusion and cultural bridge-building. First, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir took the stage, in harmony with the Saudi Performing Arts Ensemble, to present traditional Saudi music and dance. Following this cultural showcase, American Jazz performers, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, joined in a first-of-its-kind orchestral segment to create a riveting blend of music that celebrated the art form's ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

This spectacular showcase featured over eighty specially selected musicians from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, who united for an exceptional evening of performances. During the evening, these artists delighted audiences with a carefully curated fusion of Saudi melodies, including the performance of five distinct artistic renditions -Rubsh, Liwa, Majrour, Samri, and Al-Khatwa. The evening’s curated selection of iconic Saudi scores also illuminated the essence of the Kingdom’s musical heritage and showcased the ways in which harmoniously blending diverse elements with our modern day can still pay homage to its timeless legacy.

Additional performances through the night included visual showcases from sixty members of the Saudi Performing Arts who weaved an intricate visual tapestry that honored and celebrated centuries of Saudi tradition. 

Marking the third stop on the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” global tour, this musical display hosted at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House was one of many upcoming showcases highlighting outstanding Saudi musical composition and performing arts. While the performances took place for one night only, the fostering of cultural exchange set out to connect local and global communities for generations to come. 

About the Saudi Music Commission

The Music Commission – one of the Ministry of Culture’s 11 sector-specific commissions –oversees the development of the Kingdom’s music sector.   

The Commission is overseeing the growth of a music sector that provides universal access to music education, empowers musical talent and contributes to the local economy. 

It aims to increase the economic contribution of the music sector through job creation, sector regulation and building world-class infrastructure.

To learn more about the Music Commission, please visit https://music.moc.gov.sa/en  and the commission’s Twitter @MOC_Music

About the Saudi Theater & Performing Arts Commission

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture. Founded in 2020, it is leading the development of the theater and performing arts sector in Saudi Arabia. 

The Commission is working to build the sector’s infrastructure through enhancing the quality of content, increasing local production, supporting talent, driving investment, and creating opportunities for cultural exchange.

To learn more about the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, please visit the Commission’s website and Twitter page @MOCPerformArt