The Beginning Symphony

The Beginning Symphony is an orchestral performance organized by the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The symphony narrated the story of the founding of the Saudi state through theatrical and musical scenes. The event was part of a celebratory program presented by the ministry on the occasion of Saudi Founding Day, held on February 25 and 26, 2024.

The Beginning Symphony was part of the Saudi Founding Day celebrations, a national occasion that recalls the story of the founding of the Saudi state three centuries ago by Imam Mohammed Bin Saud. It was performed for the first time in Riyadh City at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater in Boulevard City. The performance featured a musical interaction combining classical global instruments and traditional Saudi instruments, with the participation of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir.

The orchestral performance's poems were written by a group of prominent contemporary Saudi poets, led by Prince Khalid al-Faisal and Prince Badr Bin Abdulmohsin, alongside poet Najla al-Muhaya (Moatazah), poet Fahd Aaft, and poet Nayef Saqr. The musical vision for the performance was composed by Sahm, in collaboration with Mubham and Abdullah al-Badr.

The Beginning Symphony featured musical, historical, artistic, and cultural scenes performed by the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir. The performance included compositions using distinctive Saudi instruments and traditional local performances, adding an innovative style that blended authenticity with modernity. The musical ensemble for the performance was conducted by Maestro Reaab Ahmed.

The Beginning Symphony narrated the story of the founding of the Saudi state through theatrical and musical scenes that documented the stages the state went through, highlighting its heroics, glories, development, and achievements. It began with a historical tableau titled "This Land," which artistically narrated the heritage and civilizations that have existed on the Kingdom’s land for thousands of years. The performance continued with other tableaux, including "Reema," "The Imams," "O Our Homeland, Fear Not," "Ardah Medley," "The Unparalleled History," the "Majroor" art from the western region, "Hida" art from the Eastern Province, "Qazou’i" art from the southern region, "Waneen" and "Samiri" arts from the central region, followed by "The Cup of Honor," "The Crown of Glories," "Mohammed Bin Salman," "The Saudi Word," and concluded with the final tableau titled "Who Loves the Homeland Like Me." These diverse musical chapters provided the audience with a profound patriotic journey through different eras.