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Qatar musical philharmonic orchestra night

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the consort of the then-Emir of Qatar, founded the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO), a division of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, in 2007. The orchestra presents both Western and Middle Eastern compositions, fostering a love of and interest in such music among Qataris and other people in the region.

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

In order to encourage children and adults in Qatar and the Arab world to develop and enjoy music, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performs and promotes both western and Arabic music. The Philharmonic is a part of the Qatar Foundation, which aids Qatar in transforming its economy from one based on carbon to one based on knowledge through maximising human potential. Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser established the orchestra in 2007. A jury of worldwide music industry experts selected the 101-member orchestra after auditions were performed in European and Arab nations. Musician quality was the main selection criterion. On October 30, 2008, the Philharmonic presented its inaugural performance under the baton of Lorin Maazel.

Location with most performances

The Opera House, located in Building 16 of the Katara Cultural Village in the West Bay also Qatar National Convention Centre is where the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performs the majority of its concerts.

Just to the north of the blue Turkish mosque and two conical birdhouses is the Opera House, Building 16, which is the tallest structure in Katara and is clearly recognisable. The furnishings and ornamentation are inspired by Arabic sources in general and Qatari elements in particular, despite the round of balconies possibly conjuring images of La Scala or other Italian opera houses.

The Qatar National Convention Centre is situated across from Education City. The structure is renowned for its avant-garde architectural style, which was influenced by the Sidra tree’s branches.

Western and Arabic music world premieres

The Philharmonic provides a stage for music from all over the world while also planting the seeds of symphonic music in the Arab world. Among the works that have received their world premieres are Rami Khalifé’s Chaos for Piano and Orchestra and Requiem, Houtaf Khoury’s Angel of Light Piano Concerto, Jean-Charles Gandrille’s Violin Concerto, Abdalla El-Oud Masri’s Concerto, and Marcel Khalifé’s Symphony of Return. The Philharmonic’s mission includes hosting both emerging and seasoned composers, soloists, and conductors from the Arab world.

World Tours

At their home in the Katara Opera House, which they debuted in December 2010 with the world premiere of Marcel Khalifé’s Rababa Concerto, the Qatar Philharmonic performs 40 different programs on average each year. The 2014 BBC Proms in London’s Royal Albert Hall, Rome’s Santa Cecilia Hall, Washington’s Kennedy Center, Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Vienna’s Konzerthaus for OPEC’s 50th anniversary, and Damascus’ Syrian Opera House were among the touring performances that year. Other significant performances include the opening of the Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre with music by Vangelis and the voices of Angela Gheorgiu and Roberto Alagna, as well as the United Nations General Assembly.

Upcoming performances

The Philharmonic of the Future, an event featuring students from Qatar Music Academy performing with the Orchestra, is presented by the Qatar Philharmonic. The Academy’s most talented students will perform as soloists and orchestra musicians during the event, providing the audience with a glimpse into the future of classical music. It will be held at United School International, The Pearl, Doha on 11th February 2023, 7:30pm. Haydn, Bruch, and Vivaldi pieces will all be performed during the evening. For this unique occasion, Giovanni Pasini will command the Philharmonic and the students.

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