Marvels of Saudi Music’ Initiative Showcases Saudi Creativity

Marvels of Saudi Music’ Initiative Showcases Saudi Creativity
TT

Marvels of Saudi Music’ Initiative Showcases Saudi Creativity

Marvels of Saudi Music’ Initiative Showcases Saudi Creativity

Under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture, the Music Commission, with the participation of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission (TPAC), organized a musical evening entitled "Marvels of Saudi Music" at the National Auditorium in Mexico City.

The event was attended by Mexican Culture Minister Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, Saudi Ambassador to Mexico Haitham bin Hassan Al-Maliki, TPAC CEO Sultan Al-Bazai, Music Commission CEO Paul Pacifico, ambassadors of the GCC member states and other Arab countries accredited to Mexico, Mexican cultural figures, and music lovers.

On behalf of the Saudi Minister of Culture, the CEO of the Music Commission delivered a speech in which he said: “I am pleased to welcome you to the ‘Marvels of Saudi Music’ initiative, in a wonderful concert, in which the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, the Mexican Carlos Chavez Orchestra, and performing arts groups from the two countries participate”

“Saudi music has been painted since ancient times, an immortal painting, taking it past its initial starting point to the future in a journey of continuous and endless development. Its mainstay was the creative Saudi man, who lives today in a prosperous age under the Saudi Vision 2030, which considers supporting culture and empowering intellectuals an essential part of a development project that is the largest in the country’s history,” the CEO of the Music Commission added.

The concert included the participation of 33 musicians, 39 singers from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, 40 performers from the Performing Arts Ensemble, in addition to 57 musicians from the Mexican Carlos Chavez Orchestra and the Mexican Folkloric Ballet of Fulcorette de Amelia Ensemble.

During the concert, the Saudi Ambassador Al-Maliki, and Theater and Performing Arts Commission CEO Sultan Al-Bazai presented an oud musical instrument as a souvenir gift to the Mexican Minister of Culture, in appreciation of the great hospitality and interest that the Saudi delegation participating in this ceremony received.

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir are among the initiatives launched by the Music Commission to celebrate Saudi musical creativity, share it with the world, and promote international cultural exchange through music.

The Mexico concert comes as part of the global tours of the “Marvels of Saudi Music” initiative organized by the Music Commission and the TPAC out of their belief in the importance of music and performing arts and their role in enhancing communication between peoples.

It also comes with the aim of achieving the goal of international cultural exchange, which is one of the strategic goals of the Ministry of Culture, which seeks to realize them under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.



Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

 First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
TT

Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

 First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)

US and Israeli strikes on Iran have damaged at least 120 culturally or historically significant sites across the country since the start of the war, the head of Tehran city council's heritage committee said.

"At least 120 museums, historical buildings and cultural sites across various provinces were directly targeted and sustained serious structural damage," said Ahmad Alavi.

He was quoted by state TV as naming UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace -- sometimes likened to Versailles -- as well as Tehran's Marble Palace, Teymourtash house and Saadabad Palace.

One of the capital's most visited sites, the Saadabad Palace complex includes an extensive park and museums dedicated to Iranian history.

In addition to the cultural institutions, it also houses the residences of the Iranian president and governor of Tehran province, with judicial and Revolutionary Guards facilities located nearby.

The United States and Israel launched their campaign against Iran on February 28, killing its supreme leader and setting off a war that has since embroiled practically all of the Middle East.

Iran, whose history spans several millennia, possesses significant cultural heritage that has largely been spared from mass tourism.

According to the UN, at least four of the country's 29 UNESCO-listed sites have been damaged in the war: Golestan Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, the Masjed-e Jame mosque in the same city, and the prehistoric sites of the Khorramabad Valley.


Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Ministry of Culture has launched the UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships in partnership with Effat University and the National Archives of the United Kingdom, to support archival-based research, advance cultural inquiry on the Arabian Peninsula, and strengthen collaboration between researchers and institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

The program includes a 10-week research residency at the National Archives of the United Kingdom, where participants receive hands-on training in archival methods and gain access to a wide range of archival collections and cultural institutions across the UK. It supports diverse areas of cultural research related to the Arabian Peninsula.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s strategic vision for advancing cultural research, reflecting its commitment to fostering both local and international collaboration and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.

The fellowship is open to researchers and cultural heritage specialists capable of conducting independent research in English, regardless of their professional level.


Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts
TT

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

The Ministry of Culture signed on Thursday a partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Music. The partnership aims to further develop cultural and artistic talent and drive cultural exchange.

Under the terms of the partnership, Guildhall School will work with RUA to co-design undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs spanning music performance, production and education, in addition to training and capability development opportunities for RUA’s faculty body.

The programs will help cultivate and support Saudi talent across a wide range of musical disciplines, as well as provide students with a firm understanding of creative processes, research pathways and professional skills.

Founded in 1880, Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists. Ranked as number one in Arts, Drama and Music by the Complete University Guide 2025, and in the top three in the world for Music by the QS World University Rankings 2025, Guildhall delivers world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles, SPA reported.

The partnership with Guildhall School sits within a series of partnerships for the Riyadh University of Arts and its colleges with leading international institutions to co-design academic programs, collaborate in research, and offer enriching programs in cultural education and development.

In December 2025, RUA announced partnerships between their College of Film and the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA); between SOAS University of London and their College of Heritage and Civilization Studies; AMDA College of the Performing Art and RUA’s College of Theater and Performing Art; and between ESSEC Business School and RUA’s College of Cultural Management. A further agreement was signed with the Royal College of Art (RCA) and RUA’s College of Architecture and Design and College of Visual Arts and Photography in January 2026.

Riyadh University of Arts was established by royal decree and is headquartered in Riyadh. Its Board of Trustees is chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The university is dedicated to advancing education in the fields of culture and the arts, serving as a cornerstone for creative learning and cultural innovation. It aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.

The university will launch its programs in phases, gradually expanding to cover a wide range of fields and specialized disciplines. It will offer a comprehensive academic portfolio that supports continuous education across the arts and culture sectors, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.