In a night to remember, the iconic Sydney Opera House played host to both the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir and Australia’s Metropolitan Orchestra in a stunning orchestral performance, marking the seventh stop on the Saudi Orchestra Marvels World Tour, held on May 12.

Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Music Commission, the event also featured contributions from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, whose traditional performances elevated the experience with a festive, immersive atmosphere and a rich visual dimension.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, who shared, “At each stop on our global journey, we have collaborated with local orchestras and artists to co-create the deeply authentic musical bridge between our cultures”. Following his remarks, the evening began with the first segment, presented by the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, by Saudi Maestro Reaab Ahmed. They opened with an instrumental performance of “From My Torment” originally by Abadi Al-Johar, and lyrics by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, followed by a stirring rendition of “Beauty Got You Jealous?” originally by Mohammed Abdu with lyrics by Isris Jama’a.

The stage then transformed into a vibrant cultural tableau as traditional Saudi performance troupes from across the Kingdom brought beloved classics to life through folkloric visual expression. Chief among them, the As-Samri performance art accompanied “If Love Had Its Way” by Fawzi Mahsoun, with lyrics by the late Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsin. This was followed by “Speak What’s Wrong,” originally by Mohamed Abdu with lyrics by Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, enhanced by the folkloric richness of the Al-Majrou performance. The first segment concluded with the Saudi Orchestra's reimagined interpretation of “Dance Monkey,” originally by Australian singer Tones and I (Tony Watson).

Australia Meets Saudi Arabia in a Musical Dialogue

The second segment brought a unique cross-cultural blend to life, with the Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Australian maestro Sarah-Grace Williams and joined by Saudi composer Mamdouh Saif. The program included five performances, including “Where the Mountain,” a dreamy composition by Nicholas Rusoniello on saxophone. Composer Sergei Prokofiev,  performed an iconic rendition of “Montagues and Capulets” from Romeo and Juliet. Another highlight came during the “Didge Fusion” by acclaimed Australian composer and soloist William Barton, who performed on the didgeridoo—a traditional aboriginal instrument from the First Nation people in Australia. The segment closed with “Nidaa’ Al-Rouh,” an emotional piece composed and performed by Mamdouh Saif on the ocarina, arranged by Mohammed Ashi.

Saudi Melodies Light Up the Sydney Opera House

In the final segment, Saudi-Egyptian maestro Hani Farhat took the stage to conduct both orchestras in a celebration of Saudi musical heritage. The segment opened with the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra Overture,” composed by Rami Basahiih, followed by “Rock n Roll” a song by Felix Riebel from The Cat Empire, with musical arrangement by Mohammed Ashi and Roscoe Irwin. It then transitioned into a medley of iconic Saudi songs—including “Kol Ma Nans Nas” by Mohammed Abdu and “Ya Ibn Al-Awadim” by Abdul Majeed Abdullah. The concert ended on a high note with a grand performance of the national song “Allah is One”, originally by Mohammed Abdu and written by the late poet Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsin—a moving tribute to the spirit of Saudi Arabia.

This was more than just a concert—it was yet again, a living testament to music’s ability to bridge cultures and inspire new paths for creative expression. From the heart of the Sydney Opera House, Saudi music blended seamlessly with global sounds, proving further that creativity knows no borders—and that authenticity, when shared in the universal language of music, resonates with everyone.