PARIS: A concert fusing Saudi and Western music was performed on Friday in Paris by Saudi and French orchestras.
The “Masterpieces of Saudi Music” at the Theatre du Chatelet brought together 50 musicians from the International Philharmonic Orchestra of Paris and 25 musicians and 40 singers from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir.
Both orchestras, led by conductor Emad Zari and under the direction of Amine Kouider, presented a joint musical show, performing a medley of Saudi folk songs in different traditional styles, such as Al-Majrour, Al-Mizmar, Al-Khabiti and Al-Samari, followed by a world premiere of the score “Jeddah,” composed by Italian Antonio Bernardi.
The Parisian audience was also treated to interpretations of arias from classic operas, including “O mio bambino caro” by Giacomo Puccini, “O sole mio” by Eduardo di Capua and Emanuele Alfredo Mazzucchi and “Addio, del passato” from Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata.”
The Saudi NOC has performed throughout the Kingdom and at festivals abroad, and the decision to bring the troupe to Paris was approved by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Sultan Al-Bazie, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Music, said: “The story began in Riyadh when the International Philharmonic Orchestra of Paris was invited to the Palais de la Culture in Riyadh to celebrate Europe Day, a cultural event organized in cooperation with the French Embassy and the Saudi Commission for Music under the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia.”
He continued: “On this occasion, my friend and maestro, Amine Kouider, with his creativity, was able to interpret pieces of classical music with using oriental instruments and Saudi rhythms.
“On the instruction of His Highness (Prince Badr), it was decided to deepen this experience and to carry it out in Paris. You will, ladies and gentlemen, discover a musical experience composed of Saudi songs and music as well as great French composers interpreted with Saudi instruments and rhythms,” he added.
* This article originally appeared on Arab News en Fran?ais, click here to read it.