Global Harmony Takes Center Stage as China’s Chorus Choir Debuts in Saudi Arabia
Dhahran – A breathtaking celebration of cultural unity filled the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture as the world-renowned NCPA Chorus from China made its long-awaited Saudi debut with the concert “World Famous Songs.”
The one-night showcase brought together audiences, artists and traditions from across continents, turning the evening into a vibrant exchange of musical expression.
The performance, created in collaboration with the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, highlighted the evolving artistic ties between China and Saudi Arabia.
The event stood as a landmark moment within the broader Saudi-China Cultural Year 2025, which has emphasized cooperation, creativity and cross-cultural understanding.
Following nearly two hours of masterful singing, Resident Conductor Jiao Miao reflected on the significance of performing in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
She described the experience as an inspiring window into Arabic culture, particularly because the choir performed Arabic lyrics for the first time in its history.
Miao shared that the choir began preparing in July, dedicating months of practice to refine pronunciation and musical phrasing in a language unfamiliar to the ensemble.
The effort paid off, earning admiration from the audience and deepening artistic appreciation between the two countries.
The evening’s repertoire transported listeners across time, geography and musical traditions without ever leaving their seats.
The carefully curated selection featured classical works, expressive Chinese folk pieces and dynamic Western choral compositions.
With pianists Liu Xiaoxing and Sun Nianyang accompanying at key moments, the performance blended delicate harmony with moments of powerful resonance.
Under Miao’s graceful but precise direction, the choir shifted effortlessly between soft lullaby-like tones and energetic bursts that filled the hall with electricity.
Visually, the concert unfolded like a choreographed painting. The performers, dressed in flowing white gowns and black suits, moved in synchrony as lighting effects shifted with each musical mood.
The choir performed in multiple languages, showcasing works from South Korea, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Argentina and the United States.
This international selection highlighted the universal nature of music and its ability to build bridges across cultures.
A special highlight of the evening was the appearance of Saudi Arabia’s own Choralla ensemble.
Founded in Jeddah in 2022, Choralla captivated the audience with Arabic choral pieces before joining the NCPA Chorus for two joint performances.
Their collaboration, featuring one Chinese song and one Saudi song, symbolized the growing depth of artistic exchange between the two nations.
The moment also aligned with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties, giving the performance deeper cultural significance.
Miao emphasized how meaningful it was to share the stage with Saudi artists and expressed hope that future concerts in China would include more Arabic works.
She noted that such efforts would allow Chinese audiences to appreciate the beauty of Arabic musical traditions.
The evening concluded with global classics loved by audiences around the world.
Energetic renditions of “La Bamba,” Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and a Saudi favorite, “Ala Al-Bal,” stirred heartfelt reactions throughout the hall.
A lively piece from the Hollywood musical “La La Land” brought the night to an uplifting finale.
The audience’s warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on the visiting performers, who described the experience as unforgettable.
As the final notes faded, the event stood as a powerful reminder of how music transcends borders and strengthens cultural dialogue.
The debut of China’s esteemed chorus in Saudi Arabia marked not only a musical triumph but also a milestone in international artistic cooperation.
