Music Commission Holds ‘Masterpieces of Saudi Music’ Concert in New York

Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission held a concert, “Masterpieces of Saudi Music”, at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater at Lincoln Center in New York. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission held a concert, “Masterpieces of Saudi Music”, at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater at Lincoln Center in New York. (SPA)
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Music Commission Holds ‘Masterpieces of Saudi Music’ Concert in New York

Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission held a concert, “Masterpieces of Saudi Music”, at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater at Lincoln Center in New York. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission held a concert, “Masterpieces of Saudi Music”, at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater at Lincoln Center in New York. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission held a concert, “Masterpieces of Saudi Music”, at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater at Lincoln Center in New York, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The event was held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and in partnership with the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission.

The event was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, and a large international audience.

The concert featured 80 musicians from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir.

Kicking off the concert, Saudi Music Commission CEO Paul Pacifico said the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir was the first national cultural asset to be developed by the Commission, part of several initiatives to establish a comprehensive and sustainable music sector in the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

"This national event is of great importance to us, as we look forward to a musical night that will showcase some of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural and musical heritage, a blend of traditional and folk music, as well as dances from across the Kingdom's 13 diverse regions, each with its costumes, customs and musical traditions," he said.

The concert at the Metropolitan Opera House Theater was the third destination of the "Masterpieces of Saudi Music" performance, which started in Paris and moved to Mexico City before arriving in New York.

The concerts aim to familiarize the international community with the richness of Saudi music and performing arts and to boost cultural exchange, which is one of the strategic goals of Vision 2030.



Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
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Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA

The Riyadh Cultural House celebrated the Kingdom’s Founding Day with a range of cultural programs that highlighted national values and showcased the nation’s heritage in a modern, creative spirit.

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all emphasizing the history and principles on which the Saudi state was founded, SPA reported.

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity, fostering pride in the Kingdom’s history, and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.


Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
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Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA

The Riyadh Cultural House celebrated the Kingdom’s Founding Day with a range of cultural programs that highlighted national values and showcased the nation’s heritage in a modern, creative spirit.

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all emphasizing the history and principles on which the Saudi state was founded.

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity, fostering pride in the Kingdom’s history, and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s authentic architectural identity.

One of its recent projects is the comprehensive renovation of Al-Qibli Mosque in the old neighborhood of Manfuha in Riyadh. The restoration reflects traditional Najdi architecture and highlights the mosque’s connection to the town’s administrative and social history, SPA reported.

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace. It was historically the closest mosque to the town’s seat of government and was frequented by princes and prominent figures. The mosque spans approximately 500 square meters. It includes an outer courtyard, an inner prayer hall, and a lower prayer room of equal size that dates back to the original construction. Square, plaster-lined windows on the north and south sides provide natural ventilation.

These were added during the mosque’s second reconstruction around 1364 AH (1945 AD).

The covered inner prayer hall measures 15 by 8 meters and rests on 33 columns arranged in three rows. It was built by architect Abdullah bin Masoud upon the order of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman. The roof is constructed using tamarisk and palm trunks, and a minaret stands at the center of the northern façade. Following earlier renovations in 1414 AH (1993 AD), the mosque remains the last mud-brick mosque in old Manfuha.

According to SPA, its design creates a visual connection between the courtyard and the inner hall, alongside a secluded lower prayer room. The site also includes the historic water fountain of Faris bin Abdullah bin Shaalan, who died in 1175 AH (1762 AD), and an old ablution area.

The current renovation uses the same local materials as the original construction, including mud, plaster, tamarisk wood, and palm fronds. Specialized Saudi heritage companies and engineers are overseeing the work to ensure preservation of historical authenticity while meeting modern sustainability standards.

The restoration aligns with the project’s four objectives: preparing historical mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural dimension, and enhancing religious significance. The project supports the cultural and civilizational goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to preserving the Kingdom’s architectural heritage for future generations.