To mark the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Chorus has been invited by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) to perform on December 10 and 11. As a key event of the 2025 China–Saudi Arabia Year of Culture, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, this tour will usher in a new chapter of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Dialogue and exchange not only foster mutual understanding between civilizations but also contribute to the common prosperity and progress of humanity. The China NCPA, as China’s national platform for cultural exchange and cooperation, is committed to fostering mutual understanding among cultures and supporting common progress by organizing and participating in various cultural exchange activities.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country with rich cultural heritage and dynamic capacity for innovation. Its unique Arab culture has a timeless glamour. From the echoing camel bells of the ancient Silk Road to the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 today, the exchanges between China and Saudi Arabia are deeply rooted in a thousand years of friendship and goodwill. Ithra is a cultural landmark in Dhahran, Eastern Province. It is home to three art galaries, two museums (including Saudi Arabia’s first Children’s Museum), a theatre, an Idea Lab, a cinema, a library, and educational facilities. As one of the country’s most influential modern cultural institutions, the Center has, for the first time, invited a Chinese art group to present a commercial choral concert. The move highlights the Center’s strong confidence in the excellence of Chinese performing arts.

“Our collaboration with the National Centre for the Performing Arts is built on mutual respect and a shared belief in culture’s ability to connect and inspire,” said Noura AlZamil, Programs Manager at Ithra, adding that hosting the chorus represents “a moment of exchange that deepens understanding through the beauty of performance.”

Choral music is an art form that transcends language. It builds a bridge between hearts through its natural expression and pure vocal harmony. The China NCPA Chorus is one of the most prominent resident art groups at the China NCPA. Hailed by audiences as the “national team” of Chinese choral art, it ranks among China’s finest choral ensembles both in opera performances and concerts. On this tour, the Chorus will take audiences on a cultural journey across mountains and seas, adding a moving artistic touch to the 2025 China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture.

The China NCPA Chorus has meticulously planned a Global Journey Concert, to be performed on the evening of December 11. Conducted by JIAO Miao, Director and Resident Chorus Master of the China NCPA Chorus, the concert will feature classic folk songs and art songs from five continents, offering Arab audiences a multicultural experience and a chance to fully appreciate the enchantment of diverse ethnic musical traditions.

This musical journey will begin with touching songs from Asia. With its lyrical melody, the quintessential Chinese folk song, Jasmine FlowerI, will capture the tranquil charm of the Jiangnan water towns, while In the Faraway Land will convey a sense of vastness and celebrate the pure love of nomadic peoples. “The Icy Moon Rises above the Island,” from the Peking Opera The Drunken Concubine, will combine the elegant vocal style of traditional Chinese opera with choral singing, highlighting the distinctive beauty of classical Chinese music. The following part of the musical journey will take the audience to Europe. Featuring the English folk song, Scarborough Fair; the French classic, La Mer; the Irish folk song, Danny Boy; the German lieder, Auf Flügeln des Gesanges; and the Italian song, Nel blu, dipinto di blu, this part will showcase Europe’s rich and diverse musical heritage. The concert will then celebrate the passion and vitality of South America with the rhythmic Brazilian piece, Ciranda da Lua; the lively Latin song, La Bamba; and the elegant Argentine tango piece, Por Una Cabeza, showcasing the continent’s romantic spirit. The journey will continue to the North American plains, where the pastoral melody of Shenandoah will be heard, revealing the rustic charm of folk songs of early settlers. Last but not least, the African song, HlonolofatsaI, will celebrate the continent’s vibrant life, conveying heartfelt wishes through its bright melody and exuberant drumbeats.

It is worth mentioning that the Saudi Arabian choral group Choralla will also join this performance. Founded in 2022, the choral group has held 12 concerts in three years, enriching Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene through choral music. In this concert, Choralla will perform two Arabic songs. In a special collaborative moment, the China NCPA Chorus will join Choralla to sing the Saudi song, How Many People Were ThereI, and the Chinese song, Song and Smile. These songs will serve as a bridge, connecting the hearts of people from both countries.

In addition to the main concert, this tour will include arts education and charity activities. Two charity performances and exchange activities are scheduled for December 10. On the morning of that day, the China NCPA Chorus will present a carefully prepared concert for local students. The program has been specially designed to appeal to children, featuring classic Chinese and foreign songs such as It’s a Small World, Grandma’s Penghu Bay, and Song and Smile. Through lighthearted melodies and friendly interaction, the Chorus aims to sow the seeds of art in the children’s hearts.

 

These two events are expected to highlight the China NCPA’s social responsibility as China’s leading performing arts platform and demonstrate the breadth and depth of this cultural exchange tour. The significance of the tour will lie not only in delivering high-quality performances but also in harnessing the power of art to connect with every individual in the audience and promote meaningful people-to-people connections.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Aramco, is a leading cultural destination in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The center focuses on enriching people’s lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programs and initiatives. Since its opening in 2018, Ithra has become a distinguished architectural landmark that houses the Idea Lab, Library, Theater, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum, and Ithra Tower.