7 Top Moments From the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s London Performance With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Central Hall Westminster was alive with the energy of cross-cultural musical exchange as the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir took to the stage alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to present an evening of musical dialogue. This conversation culminated when both orchestras were joined in concert together in several key moments, chief among them, their rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” mashed up with Saudi classic “Adeet fi Marqab” (I Passed in Marqab) to the stunning medleys of iconic Saudi music presented with a Western twist.

On Sept. 28, London became the fourth stop in the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s “The Marvels of Saudi Music” performance alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day. Under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Music Commission, the concert was a vibrant tribute to Saudi heritage and cultural diversity, blending authentic Saudi music with top-tier international performances at the iconic Central Hall Westminster, featuring a hundred talented Saudi musicians. Here are some standout moments from the concert.

Tribute to the Late Poet Badr bin Abdul Mohsen

The concert opened with a heartfelt homage to the late Saudi poet, His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen. The orchestra performed “Ana Min Hal Ardh” (I Am From This Land) , a song originally penned by Prince Badr and sung by the legendary Mohammed Abdo. Abdo was celebrated as Billboard Arabia’s first cover in December 2023, with an interview about the artist’s 60-year legacy and deep impact on Arabic music. In the Saudi Orchestra and Choir performance in London, the tribute of his famed song “Ana Min Hal Ardh” (I Am From This Land) elegantly captured the poetic legacy of the late Prince, serving as a significant gesture of appreciation for one of Saudi culture’s most beloved icons.

Samri Art and Esmahili yal Gharam

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir delivered a captivating rendition of Samri art, a traditional Saudi folk art, set to the enchanting melody of “Esmahili yal Gharam” (The Wound of Betrayal), another iconic Mohamed Abdo song. This intricate blend of traditional art with a contemporary interpretation stood out as a remarkable moment of the concert, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Yanbu Art and Hana Talabana Allah

A highlight of the evening was the performance of the Yanbu art through the song “Hana Talabana Allah” (We Ask God), which showcases the depth of Saudi cultural heritage. This performance underscored the importance of traditional arts in preserving cultural identity and demonstrated the orchestra’s commitment to presenting authentic Saudi music to a global audience, celebrating the richness of the 13 regions that the orchestra has been working to present in the “Marvels of Saudi Music” show.

Saudi Twist on Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”

In a bold and innovative move, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir concluded the concert’s first half with a unique Saudi rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” This mash-up creatively fused Adele’s song with the Saudi classic “Adeet fi Marqab,” generating exceptional moments showcasing the orchestra’s talent blending international music with an Arab twist. The song was a breakthrough moment in the performance, when the Saudi Orchestra and Choir entered into a contemporary dialogue with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Zarqa’ al-Yamama

In the concert’s second act, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra showcased a selection of Western and Arabic classical music pieces, including the composition Zarqa’ al-Yamama. The renowned opera singer, Dame Sarah Connolly, added a special touch by singing in Arabic, enhancing the cultural fusion. The opera originally premiered in Saudi Arabia in April 2024, featuring Dame Sarah Connolly performing alongside Saudi opera singer Sawsan Al Bahiti and Italian soprano Serena Farnocchia.

Collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

In the final act, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to present medleys of songs by some of Saudi Arabia’s musical icons. They collectively performed various medleys by famed Saudi musicians including Mohammed Abdo, Talal Maddah, Rashed Al Majed, Fawzi Mahsoun, Abdel Majeed Abdullah, Khaled Abdul Rahman and Ayed.

Concert Finale with Ashginag

The concert concluded with Rashed Al Majed’s “Ashginag” (We Loved You), released in honor of the 90th Saudi National Day on Sept. 23, 2020. The song’s lyrics celebrate the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia, making it a fitting choice to close the event, spreading the enchantment of Saudi music and culture from the heart of London to the world. It was in these closing medleys that the conversation that was promised between British and Saudi culture culminated with a sense of possibility.

This London concert marked the fourth stop in the “Marvels of the Saudi Music” series, following successful performances in Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, Mexico City’s Grand Teatro Nacional and New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir plans to continue its journey, bringing its art to additional locations around the globe. Their mission is to introduce the international community to the masterpieces of Saudi music and foster cultural exchange worldwide.

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