Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Music Authority will strive to translate into action the objectives of the Ministry of Culture to make culture a lifestyle for the society with providing the younger generation, especially those with special needs, the opportunity to study musicology as well as to empower children, who are gifted with musical talent, in all possible ways.

Jihad Al-Khalidi, CEO of the newly-created Saudi Music Authority, emphasized that “Music for All” will be the slogan of the authority while implementing its strategies for promoting music in the society.

Speaking to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Khalidi thanked Minister of Culture Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan for the trust reposed in her in appointing her as the CEO of the authority. She underscored her keenness to provide everything that meets the aspirations of the ministry in serving the music sector. “The authority will work out strategies for establishing infrastructure for musical culture in the Kingdom and its application, by building an integrated and effective system that helps spread cultural awareness and musical taste among members of the society.”

Al-Khalidi stressed the importance of teaching music to children as a science and an art. “The authority will work to create innovative, creative and balanced youth in all academic disciplines and that will not restrict only to those who want to master in music. The authority will take music to both the levels of education and that of events and activities.”

Al-Khalidi said educational programs for various segments of society, including children under the age of six and youngsters between seven and 16 years of age will be provided under the “Music for All” project. “Educational and training programs will be designed in accordance with international musical curricula. The project aims to establish specialized music institutes in the Kingdom for offering programs for all levels in the fields of Arab music and international classical music,” she said adding the project also includes encouraging group performance through teaching choral to children in cooperation with specialized international institutions.

Al-Khalidi said this project is a basic goal that is in sync with the ministry’s drive to promote arts of music in both the public and private education, because of its conviction of teaching children various art forms at their tender age itself.

The Music Authority chief said the project would also pave the way for opening new jobs for music teachers in all phases of education by providing intensive educational and academic training and orientation programs for teachers and awarding them diplomas consistent with the academic standard they have acquired in teaching music.

She pointed out that the project also aims to open up multiple tracks to spread the cultural awareness about music in society, including gathering music fans and developing their hobbies by conducting various courses in cooperation with artistic associations, and establishing youth orchestra, choir for children and adults. There are also plans to organize music events throughout the year in various regions of the Kingdom and that will include music festivals for children and youth with the focus on exchanging different cultures and forms of music.

Al-Khalidi said the Saudi music sector is rich and varied in colors, molds and folkloric rhythms. “The authority will work to revive and codify various forms of Saudi folklore and music so as to develop the national and social sensibility and musical and cultural identity of the Kingdom before spreading it regionally and globally,” she said while emphasizing the importance of musical cultural awareness within the requirements of Quality of Life Program in the light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Al-Khalidi has vast experience in the field of music spanning over 33 years. She obtained Bachelor’s degree in the theory of music and performing violin from the National Higher Institute of Music or Conservatoire in Cairo. She had worked as a violinist being part of the Egyptian Orchestra for eight years, in addition to her administrative knowledge and experience.

The authority is one of the 11 new bodies launched by the Ministry of Culture to manage and develop various branches of Saudi cultural sector following a Cabinet decision in this regard earlier this month. This is part of the ministry’s vision and orientation document announced in March 2019.