Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert

Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert is an international concert organized by the Music Commission, one of the entities of the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 2022. It is held in Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, with the participation of the Saudi National Music Band and Choir, in addition to the French Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert features the first Arab participation in the history of Theatre du Chatelet, with a combined performance between a Saudi band and a French orchestra.

In addition to the French Philharmonic Orchestra, twenty-two musicians and forty singers from the Saudi National Music Band participated in the Masterpieces of Saudi Music Concert. The two bands presented a joint musical performance, which included playing and singing the most famous Saudi songs, such as Shertan al-Zahab, Kol Ma nasnas, Majomooat Ensan, and Mn Aathabi.

The Saudi National Music Band also performed a solo of Saudi folk songs using various traditional arts, such as al-Majrour (folklore combination of poetry, singing, and dancing), Mezmar (dance), al-Khabiti (dance), and Samri (folkloric music and dance). The French Philharmonic Orchestra rendered a solo performance of the city of Jeddah by the Italian classical composer Bernardi, for the very first time on stage, in addition to classical international pieces.

The Music Commission provides opportunities to learn music and raises awareness of the culture of music in society, as well as the production and governance of live cultural performances and amateur music education centers. Moreover, the commission documents Saudi folklore and music performances to include musical cultural awareness among the requirements of the Quality of Life Program.

The commission provides training programs, scholarships, and professional and educational programs for talented people in the field of music. The Ministry of Culture supported this trend by launching in 2020 a unified electronic portal for cultural scholarships. Moreover, the Music Commission aims to embed culture in the daily life of Saudis by providing opportunities for all children to learn music, in addition to encouraging and enabling talented children.