In a unique artistic evening, the curtain fell on the "Singing in Classical Arabic" events held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, amidst a large audience that enthusiastically responded to the authentic Arabic voices that enlivened the night. The event brought together three of the most prominent Arab singers: the esteemed Tunisian artist Lotfi Bouchnak, the brilliant Lebanese artist Walaa Al-Jundi, and the rising Saudi artist Nawaf Al-Jabarti, who together presented a refined artistic experience that blended the grandeur of classical Arabic poetry with the aesthetics of Eastern music.
Reviving a rich artistic heritage
Singing in Classical Arabic is one of the oldest musical arts in the Arab world, historically linked to the corpus of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the present day. This art form has been championed by giants such as Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, and Fairuz, who have sung the poems of renowned poets like Ahmed Shawqi, Nizar Qabbani, and Al-Akhtal Al-Saghir, transforming words into melodies that remain etched in Arab memory. This evening serves to reaffirm the continuity of this cultural heritage and its capacity for renewal and appeal to new generations, demonstrating that Classical Arabic is not merely a language of tradition, but a living language capable of expressing human emotions in a contemporary artistic style.
A partnership to support culture and music
The event was organized through a strategic partnership between the Saudi Music Commission and Benchmark, reflecting ongoing efforts to support the Kingdom's cultural and artistic landscape, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on enriching local content and strengthening cultural identity. This partnership aims to highlight the value of Classical Arabic in Arabic song and encourage artistic endeavors that present refined poetic texts in innovative musical forms that blend tradition and modernity, thus contributing to a diversification of artistic options available to the public.
A dazzling artistic performance for the audience
The three artists delivered a masterful performance, creating a complete artistic tapestry. Lotfi Bouchnak, with his powerful operatic voice and profound stage presence, captivated the audience with a selection of his most famous works, reflecting his artistic philosophy and humanistic vision. Walaa Al-Jundi, with her delicate sensibility and melodious voice, touched the hearts of the audience with a selection of masterpieces of classical Arabic music, showcasing the beauty of its eloquent lyrics. Meanwhile, Nawaf Al-Jabarti added a contemporary Saudi touch, presenting works that blended local identity with modern musical arrangements, proving that young talents are capable of carrying the torch of this authentic art form.
An impact that transcends boundaries
This evening was more than just a musical performance; it was a cultural message affirming that Classical Arabic remains a bridge for artistic exchange between different Arab countries. Bringing together artists from Tunisia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia on one stage was a celebration of shared Arab identity and a testament to the fact that refined art transcends geographical boundaries to speak to the human soul. The success of this event reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for culture and the arts in the region, and its ability to host world-class events befitting the rich history of Arab art.
