Music Commission to Organize ‘Masterpieces of Saudi Music’ Concert in US

The Music Commission will organize a musical show next Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Square in New York City
The Music Commission will organize a musical show next Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Square in New York City
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Music Commission to Organize ‘Masterpieces of Saudi Music’ Concert in US

The Music Commission will organize a musical show next Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Square in New York City
The Music Commission will organize a musical show next Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Square in New York City

Under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Music Commission, with the participation of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, will organize a musical show next Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Square in New York City.

Eighty musicians from the National Orchestra and Choir (NOC) and the Saudi Performing Arts Band, accompanied by the American jazz band, Dizzy Gillespie, will perform at the concert as part of the “Masterpieces of Saudi Music," which includes a medley of Saudi folk songs in addition to individual performances. Dizzy Gillespie will present musical pieces in a joint performance with NOC.

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission will also present five shows that reflect the Kingdom's cultural diversity, including Al-Majrour, and Al-Samari.

The concert at the Metropolitan Opera House is the third destination of the "Masterpieces of Saudi Music" initiative after performances in Paris and the US state of New Mexico with the aim of introducing the world to Saudi music and performing arts.



Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.