Versailles Resonates: Saudi National Orchestra and Choir Take the Palace Stage
Performing on the eve of Saudi National Day, Sept. 23 — part of the Marvels tour
On the eve of Saudi National Day (Sept. 23), the Palace of Versailles hosted a sweeping program from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir. More than 100 Saudi musicians—each with a distinct background—assembled to present a concert that blended tradition, training and contemporary ambition.
An Unfamiliar Melody in an Old Palace
In early September, the halls of Versailles—steeped in centuries of European musical history—were filled with a new sound. Against a backdrop of gilt and marble, Saudi voices and instruments offered a fresh cultural conversation: music as a language that bridges heritage and global exchange.
More Than an Orchestra
Launched in 2019 by the Music Commission, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir was designed not merely as a performing ensemble but as an educational and cultural initiative. Its purpose is to cultivate domestic talent and frame Saudi musical traditions for international audiences.
The Marvels tour has visited major cultural centers including Paris, New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo and Mexico City. Versailles marked another milestone on that itinerary and a public moment for a generation of Saudi musicians presenting their artistry on a world stage.
Adapting Repertoire to Global Stages
The program adapts to the context of each city. In London, the ensemble interwove a traditional Saudi song with a contemporary pop medley; in New York, they reinterpreted a classic American standard with Eastern rhythmic colors; in Tokyo, they performed Arabic-language arrangements of familiar anime themes. At Versailles, a 90-minute set moved fluidly between Saudi folk forms—khubaiti, majroor and khutwa—French songs and operatic passages.
A highlight was a collaboration with the Royal Opera Orchestra, led by Egyptian conductor Hany Farhat—the first Arab to conduct that French orchestra—followed the next day by Saudi conductor Reaab Ahmed leading the national ensemble, a first for a Saudi maestro.
A Tapestry of Lives and Voices
What distinguishes the project is its human variety. The group includes people who left unrelated careers to pursue music—clinician-turned-singer Adwaa Shanan, former sales consultant Ma’an Al-Yamani, healthcare worker Maha Abdullah and pianist Ibrahim Al-Rashed, who previously worked in network engineering. Their collective presence onstage transforms individual journeys into a shared artistic statement.
Musical tastes inside the ensemble are wide-ranging: the youngest member, Nawaf Al-Jizani, grew up on classical repertoire yet listens to rap with his peers; chorister Fatimah Zahid captivated the audience with a French rendition of “Les Champs-Élysées”; other members favor classic Arabic songs or contemporary R&B. Backstage they are diverse; in performance they fuse into a single, cohesive voice.
Honoring Tradition While Expanding Its Reach
Rather than relying solely on Western standards, the orchestra places Saudi repertoire at the center of its programs. Songs by icons such as Mohammed Abdu and Talal Maddah and regional folk forms like samri and mizmar yanbawi have been arranged for full orchestra, reframing national music without erasing its identity.
Qanun player Yazid Al-Aidi described the intent plainly: Saudi music retains its dignity and gravitas, and the project aims to present that character within a classical orchestral setting so international listeners can hear these traditions as Saudis understand them.
Building Capacity, Building Careers
For many performers—especially women—the path has been pioneering and exacting. Soprano Reemaz Al-Oqbi, trained in opera from a young age, emphasizes that the ensemble represents more than concerts: it is the creation of a professional ecosystem that offers musicians sustainable careers and dignity in their craft.
Moments That Matter
Rehearsal intensity and the reward of live applause create memorable experiences for the company. Members speak of the final run-throughs before departure, the satisfaction of perfecting a difficult passage and the exhilaration of performance day. For many, the finale—bowing as the applause swells and the stage lights glow green—encapsulates national pride and collective achievement.
A Cultural Statement
At Versailles, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan framed culture as central to sustainable development and social progress, calling it an engine that inspires future generations to pursue dialogue, stability and prosperity.
The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s Versailles appearance was therefore more than artistic display: it was a deliberate cultural expression, a moment when a nation’s musical story was announced to an international audience. When over 100 performers merge into a single sound, they erase easy distinctions—between past and present, local and global—and project a confident vision of cultural renewal.
