An artistic evening illuminated by classical Arabic at the Ithra Center
In a sophisticated cultural atmosphere, the first night of the "Singing in Classical Arabic" evenings concluded at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, witnessing a large audience and unprecedented interaction. This evening was part of a unique initiative organized by the Saudi Music Commission in cooperation with Ithra, and produced by Benchmark, with the aim of reviving songs written in Classical Arabic and presenting them to contemporary audiences in a renewed artistic format.
Background of the initiative and its cultural significance
The “Singing in Classical Arabic” initiative comes within the context of a broad cultural movement in Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening Arab cultural identity and celebrating its artistic and literary treasures. Classical Arabic has long been the vessel for some of history’s greatest poems and literary works, yet its presence in contemporary song has relatively diminished. This initiative seeks to bridge this gap by hosting established and emerging artists capable of performing classical Arabic poetry, thus connecting new generations to their rich linguistic heritage and showcasing the beauty of Arabic poetry when paired with melody and music.
Badr Hakim... an opening that combines youth and tradition
The evening opened with a performance by the young Saudi artist Bader Hakim, who delivered a remarkable show that showcased his talent and captivating stage presence. Hakim skillfully set the mood, performing a selection of his songs that were well-received by the audience, including "Qalil Aql" (Little Mind), "Qahwa" (Coffee), "Law Kan Li Qalban" (If I Had Two Hearts), and "Ya Adila" (O Just One). The participation of a young Saudi artist in opening a night of this magnitude underscores the support for local talent and provides them with an opportunity to perform on major stages alongside established artists, thus ensuring the continuity of this authentic art form.
Kadim Al Sahir... The Caesar reigns supreme in the world of sung poetry
In the second part of the concert, the Caesar of Arabic song, Kadim Al Sahir, took to the stage amidst a warm welcome and thunderous cheers. As always, Al Sahir captivated the audience with his enchanting performance and melodious voice, presenting an artistic journey through his golden archive of classical Arabic songs that resonate deeply with the Arab listener. He sang masterpieces from the poems of the great poet Nizar Qabbani and others, such as "Love Me Without Conditions," "I Gave You the Choice, So Choose," "I Hate Her," and "The School of Love," in addition to other works like "Lovers' Day" and "The Fruit of Love." His performance embodied the perfect fusion of refined lyrics and timeless melodies, reaffirming his status as one of the most important artists who have served contemporary Arabic poetry.
Local and regional impact of the event
This evening was more than just a concert; it was a cultural event of significant dimensions. Locally, the event reinforces the Eastern Province's position as a destination for major artistic events and contributes to enriching the Saudi cultural landscape in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Regionally, hosting an artist of Kadim Al Sahir's stature in an initiative celebrating classical Arabic sends a powerful message about the Kingdom's leading role in preserving and presenting shared Arab heritage in a manner befitting its importance, thus restoring the luster of classical Arabic song across the Arab world.
