On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, September 23, the majestic Palace of Versailles hosted a significant cultural event: the latest tour of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s "Marvels program." This tour brought together more than 100 Saudi musicians, each contributing their unique journey and narrative to a historic performance. In early September, Versailles, a site steeped in the sounds of French royal court music, resonated with an entirely new rhythm, marking an unfamiliar chapter in its storied history. Amidst corridors filled with Europe's old grandeur, the powerful voices and instruments of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir proclaimed that the Kingdom is now engaging with the world through a new universal language: music. This was far more than a mere concert; it was a profound symbolic scene encapsulating the essence of a burgeoning cultural movement, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation as it actively redefines its global image through intricate strings, harmonious voices, and captivating melodies.

Established in 2019 under the auspices of the Music Commission, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir was conceived with a vision far beyond that of a typical musical ensemble. Its foundational mission was ambitious: to cultivate an academic environment for aspiring Saudi musicians and to elevate local heritage onto a global stage. The "Marvels" tour has already achieved considerable international exposure, with performances in major cities including Paris, New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, and Mexico City. The Versailles concert was not merely another stop at one of Europe's most fabled palaces; it represented a pivotal moment where a new generation of Saudi musicians proudly presented an image of their country to the world—an image that emerges authentically from within, yet confidently reaches outward with passion and conviction. The orchestra’s inaugural international appearance was in Paris in 2022, where "The Masterpieces of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir" made its debut. The tour subsequently broadened its reach across continents before its planned return to Riyadh in early 2025 for a homecoming performance. Additionally, August of this year saw a Riyadh concert celebrating the successful graduation of the first cohort from the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s intensive two-year Music Education Program.

The "Marvels" tour has been instrumental in forging a cultural bridge between Saudi music and diverse global audiences, ingeniously adapting its performances to resonate with the specific cultural nuances of each host country. In London, for instance, the traditional Saudi song "Addayt fi Marqab" was masterfully fused with an Adele medley, creating a unique cross-cultural blend. New York audiences were treated to a reimagining of Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic "Fly Me to the Moon," infused with distinctive Eastern rhythms. In Tokyo, the orchestra captivated listeners by performing popular anime themes translated and sung in Arabic, showcasing remarkable versatility. The 90-minute performance at Versailles itself was a rich tapestry of sound, seamlessly blending Saudi traditional and contemporary music with vibrant folk dances such as khibaiti, majroor, and khutwa, before transitioning into French and even operatic singing. A significant highlight of the evening was a collaborative performance alongside the prestigious Royal Opera Orchestra, conducted by the renowned Egyptian maestro Hany Farhat, who achieved the distinction of being the first Arab ever to lead the esteemed French orchestra. The following day saw Saudi conductor Reaab Ahmed take the baton, becoming the first Saudi maestro to conduct the national orchestra, marking another historic milestone.

What truly distinguishes this ambitious project is not only its robust academic underpinning but also the profound diversity within its ranks. Behind the orchestra’s unified and harmonious sound stands a mosaic of over 100 musicians, each possessing a singular life story. Many have embarked on remarkable career transformations to pursue their passion for music: Adwaa Shanan, for example, transitioned from clinical psychology; Ma’an Al-Yamani left a career as a sales consultant; Maha Abdullah moved from medical care; and Ibrahim Al-Rashed, a talented pianist, previously worked as a network engineer. For these individuals, joining the choir represented a truly life-altering experience. Their musical tastes are as varied as their backgrounds. Nawaf Al-Jizani, the youngest member, harbors a deep affection for classical music, an influence from his father, though he readily admits to listening to rap, aligning with the preferences of many in his generation. Chorister Fatimah Zahid captivated the Versailles audience with her heartfelt rendition of “Les Champs-Élysées” in French. Meanwhile, Hataf and Taghreed Al-Shahrani favor traditional old Arabic songs, while Horia leans towards R&B. Backstage, a spectrum of moods and styles prevailed among the individual musicians, yet once they stepped onto the stage, all differences dissolved into a single, cohesive voice. This very diversity, which might appear contradictory at first glance, is precisely what imbues the orchestra and choir with their distinctive identity: a powerful convergence of individual tastes into a collective, national sound.

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir deliberately chose a path less trodden, opting not to merely perform existing Western classics. Instead, they placed Saudi music at the very core of their repertoire, featuring reimagined songs by iconic figures such as Mohammed Abdu and Talal Maddah, and integrating revered folk traditions like samri, majroor, and mizmar yanbawi, all presented in sophisticated modern orchestral arrangements. Yazid Al-Aidi, a qanun player, articulated this philosophy, stating, “Saudi music carries within it dignity, majesty and solemnity.” The project meticulously preserves this intrinsic essence while carefully framing it within a classical context, thereby enabling the global audience to experience Saudi music authentically, as Saudis themselves do—not as a replacement of identity, but as a confident expansion of its reach to new audiences worldwide.

Saudi soprano Reemaz Al-Oqbi offers a perspective that balances national pride with a clear-eyed realism. Having received opera training from a young age, she is acutely aware of the formidable challenges inherent in pioneering a new cultural era, particularly for women in a rapidly evolving society. She remarks, “Studying music from a young age gave me a different perspective, to see it as a real profession.” Al-Oqbi further emphasizes the foundational work underway: “We are building from scratch in Saudi Arabia—but building a strong foundation, an environment where musicians can live with dignity and a clear future. It’s harder for women, but thank God, the opportunities are now here.” This sentiment underscores the commitment to establishing a sustainable and empowering ecosystem for artistic expression.

Amidst the rigorous demands of exhaustive rehearsals and the exhilarating thrill of audience applause, several unforgettable moments stand out for the musicians. Hassan Al-Mahouzi finds the greatest joy in the final days leading up to travel, “when the choir and orchestra come together and we finally see the full picture.” For Nawaf Abdulhadi, satisfaction stems from the choir successfully mastering a difficult musical phrase in perfect unison. Wahib Al-Salem views the performance day itself as a celebratory occasion, akin to a holiday, stating, “The concert is like Eid.” Yet, there is a collective agreement that the emotional climax invariably arrives during the finale, as they bow to the audience and are met with resounding applause. As chorister Rose eloquently puts it: “The most beautiful moment is when the stage glows green”—a poignant reference to the color of the Saudi flag, symbolizing both profound national pride and a shared collective achievement.

At the historic Versailles concert, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan delivered a powerful declaration: “Culture is a driving force for sustainable development, a key engine of economic and social growth, and a source of inspiration for future generations to build a better world filled with dialogue, stability and prosperity.” The presence of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir at Versailles transcended a mere performance; it served as a symbolic announcement that Saudi Arabia is actively crafting its cultural narrative through the vibrant voices of its sons and daughters. Every single note bore testament to the profound transformation of a society that is eagerly embracing the future without ever abandoning its deeply rooted heritage. When over 100 musicians merge into a singular, resonant voice, the conventional boundaries between the individual and the collective, the past and the present, and the local and the global, gracefully blur—capturing the very essence of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision: a compelling story that originates from within, yet confidently communicates with the entire world through unparalleled creativity and artistic expression.