Ithra hosts a Cross-Cultural Concert with China’s National Centre
The concert marks the NCPA Chorus’ debut performance in Saudi Arabia
Dhahran – Asdaf News:
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) presents “World Famous Songs” by the China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Chorus on December 11, 2025, marking the ensemble’s debut performance in Saudi Arabia. Conducted by Chorus Managing Director & Resident Conductor JIAO Miao and attended by NCPA Vice President WANG Cheng, the concert forms part of “Ithra Winter” under Khobar Season, which launched on October 29.
Formed in 2009, the NCPA Chorus is the resident ensemble of the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. The chorus, which performs regularly in China, has made notable appearances at the (G20) Summit in Hangzhou and the Beijing Winter Olympics. Its performance at Ithra marks its first appearance in Saudi Arabia, introducing audiences to the ensemble’s work.
Aligned with the Saudi-China Cultural Year 2025, “World Famous Songs” supports cultural dialogue through artistic collaboration and creative exchange. The collaboration between Ithra and the National Centre for the Performing Arts reflects a growing cultural exchange between the two institutions. “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.”
Presented for one night only at the Ithra Theater on December 11, the concert is open to the public through Ithra’s ticketing platform and exclusive to the Center as part of its seasonal performing arts program. The program features international choral works, from classical compositions and Chinese folk songs to Western pieces that reflect the shared emotions and universal language of music.
“Their repertoire spans continents and generations, offering our audiences a rich experience of harmony and expression that speaks directly to the power of music to unite,” said Paul Bearne, Head of Performing Arts at Ithra.
For the NCPA Chorus, performing at Ithra represents both an artistic and symbolic occasion.
“It is a great honor for us to perform at Ithra for the first time,” said JIAO Miao, Chorus Managing Director & Resident Conductor of the China NCPA Chorus. “Music has no borders. Through our songs, we share friendship and dialogue, celebrating the connection between people and cultures.”
Ithra’s ongoing collaborations with Chinese institutions include Saudi Film Nights in Beijing (2024), Ithra at the Beijing International Book Fair (2024), and the Bridge to the Chinese Language workshop (2025), reflecting a sustained cultural dialogue.
