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Arab News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Qatar's cultural diplomacy as a global platform
As Qatar's 'Years of Culture' initiative marks its 15th partnership in 2025 — partnering with two countries, Argentina and Chile, in a single year for the first time — the program's evolution reflects a broader shift in how the nation views culture as a form of international exchange. Initially a bilateral initiative designed to introduce the world to Qatar in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first ever held in the Arab world — Years of Culture has grown into a major pillar of Qatar's cultural diplomacy. Today, the initiative embodies a global outlook that bridges cultures, fosters long-term relationships and generates dialogue across disciplines. What began as a means to welcome the world to the Arab region's first World Cup has evolved into a dynamic framework for international collaboration. From street art in Sao Paulo to film workshops in Tangier, from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra concerts to permanent public art installations, the program illustrates how culture can forge lasting connections. These include public art, participation in Qatar's key economic forums and trade fairs, and social development initiatives. The acclaimed 'On the Move' exhibition, first presented during the Qatar-Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region 2022 Year of Culture, was later showcased in China — a legacy partner from the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. Likewise, Paris-based Moroccan glass artist Sara Ouhaddou, who first collaborated with Qatar as part of 'Our World is Burning' at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris for the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, later participated in the 'Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures' residency as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. Several major national initiatives have emerged from the relationships forged during earlier Years of Culture. Lolwah Al Khater Several major national initiatives have also emerged from the relationships forged during earlier Years of Culture. Most recently, Qatar and France announced a comprehensive memorandum of understanding that builds on the foundations laid during Qatar-France 2020. This wide-ranging agreement focuses on capacity building, collaborative exhibitions, professional training, joint research and digitization — demonstrating the enduring impact of cultural exchange. Qatar's approach is distinctive in how it intertwines formal diplomacy with grassroots engagement. Cultural diplomacy in Qatar extends beyond formal institutions. While embassies and cultural ministries play key roles, contributions also come from chefs, archaeologists, economists, volunteers and students. Programming includes high-profile museum exhibitions — such as this year's 'LATINOAMERICANO,' co-curated by MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, and Qatar Museums — as well as community workshops, library exchanges, trade fairs and initiatives grounded in social development. The transformative impact of the initiative is strengthened by its decentralized and collaborative structure. Each cultural year is co-developed with the partner country, encouraging mutual ownership and cultural authenticity. Over time, this has produced a robust network of connections that organizers now draw upon to create multicountry programming. In 2024, for example, the National Museum of Qatar hosted a fashion exhibition spotlighting Moroccan designer Mohammed Benchellal, whose collection was produced using materials found in Doha's car shops and created at the Liwan Design Studios and Labs. The transformative impact of the initiative is strengthened by its decentralized and collaborative structure. Lolwah Al Khater This is an initiative that is well-suited to today's interconnected world — and to a generation of young people who come from multicultural backgrounds, travel more freely than ever before and embrace opportunities for cultural exploration and exchange. The layering of cultural years has also allowed the initiative to deepen thematically. Today, topics such as environmental storytelling, youth engagement and design futures are explored through joint residencies, academic symposia and museum exhibitions. Yet Qatar's broader vision for global engagement remains central. As it shapes its post-World Cup identity, Qatar has embraced cultural diplomacy as a vital expression of its international role — rooted in dialogue and intellectual exchange. For participants, particularly creatives from the Global South, Years of Culture offers a rare platform for visibility, resources and mutual learning. It is not about exporting Qatari culture or importing others. It is about rewriting how culture can move — collaboratively, respectfully and without hierarchy. This ethos is exemplified by the contemporary Qatari art exhibitions that travel to former partner countries such as Germany, China and Russia, showcasing the work of young Qatari artists. Once seen as a rising player on the global cultural scene, Qatar is now establishing itself as a hub of ideas, people, perspectives and possibilities. In the years ahead, Years of Culture may shift from a model of annual partnerships to one of ongoing, intersecting global dialogues — born in Doha but resonating far beyond.
Web Release
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Composer Omar Rahbany Unveils Lubnaniyat: A Groundbreaking Musical Statement on Lebanon
Drawing from Lebanon's most iconic musical legacy and reshaping it for a new era, composer and multidisciplinary artist Omar Rahbany is turning heads with Lubnaniyat; a bold, touring musical project that reawakens the Lebanese spirit through orchestral storytelling and contemporary arrangement, amid renewed hopes for a national rebirth. Rooted in the nation's rich musical heritage yet reinterpreted with modern orchestration, Lubnaniyat is a journey through Lebanon's collective memory, a sonic retelling of identity and belonging. With sweeping tapestries, cross-cultural influences, and immersive visual elements, the project aims to capture the music of Lebanon's past and the spirit of its future. The innovative concept, comprising of a symphonic orchestra blended with a Lebanese Arabic ensemble and choir, took its first step with a breathtaking performance in Doha last month. Held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, the concert saw Rahbany take to the stage alongside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to present powerful arrangements of iconic Lebanese songs alongside his own compositions; reimagined with his signature blend of orchestral depth, contemporary rhythm, and cinematic storytelling. The show marked the beginning of Lubnaniyat's wider journey as a touring project. At the helm will be Rahbani 3.0, the multidisciplinary creative house co-founded by Omar and filmmaker Karim Rahbani, dedicated to bridging music, film, and narration. Reflecting on the project, Rahbany said: 'Just as artists in the Renaissance looked back to classical antiquity and Greco-Roman humanist ideals, Lubnaniyat offers a renewed reflection on the pioneers who shaped Lebanon's musical and cultural identity. But at its core, it is a diplomatic statement in itself: while Lebanon works to revive its place on the international stage, music, art, and culture emerge as its true ambassadors, carrying the nation's voice, identity, and resilience to the world.' Dividing the orchestra into distinct sections reflects Lebanon's ongoing cultural fusion, Western European symphonic tradition, Afro American jazz brass and grooves, and a Lebanese-Arabic ensemble representing the region's rich Middle Eastern roots, Lubnaniyat is Omar Rahbany's way of carrying Lebanon's most celebrated musical inheritance into a new era, connecting generations. Through Rahbani 3.0, Omar is leading a new wave of artistic projects that blur the lines between stage and screen, music and motion. Rahbani 3.0 is committed to exporting Lebanese artistry to the world, starting with Lubnaniyat, now poised for further international performances.
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QPO set to celebrate French composers at Katara concert
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) will pay tribute to the rich legacy of French classical music in a captivating performance on Monday, May 12, at 7:30 pm at the Katara Opera House. The concert, conducted by the distinguished Elias Grandy, will present a programme that journeys through evocative soundscapes, fairy-tale imagination and rhythmic brilliance. The evening opens with Georges Bizet's L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2, a vibrant selection drawn from his incidental music for Alphonse Daudet's 1872 play L'Arlésienne. Although the play closed after only 21 performances, Bizet's music gained lasting popularity. The suite, especially the spirited 'Farandole', showcases Bizet's gift for melody and his deft use of polyphonic textures, illustrating the emotional turmoil of a young man caught between love and betrayal. Next, the Philharmonic will perform Paul Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice, a symphonic scherzo inspired by Goethe's 1797 poem. The work, premiered in Paris in 1897 under Dukas' own direction, narrates the comical and chaotic adventure of a young apprentice who unwittingly unleashes a magical disaster. This piece gained global fame after being featured in Walt Disney's 1940 film 'Fantasia', and remains a favourite for its dramatic tension and playful orchestration. After the intermission, audiences will be transported into a world of fairy tales with Maurice Ravel's Mother Goose Suite (Ma mère l'Oye). Originally composed as a set of piano duets for children in 1910 and later orchestrated, the suite draws inspiration from classic stories including Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and Beauty and the Beast. With delicate textures and imaginative instrumentation, Ravel's music paints a whimsical and enchanting soundscape that appeals to both children and adults alike. The concert will culminate in Ravel's Boléro, one of the most recognisable and hypnotic compositions of the 20th century. Characterised by its persistent rhythm and gradual crescendo, Boléro builds a powerful sense of anticipation that ultimately erupts in a triumphant finale. Originally composed as a ballet in 1928, it has since become a staple of orchestral repertoire and a testament to Ravel's ingenuity. With its thoughtfully curated programme and masterful performances, this Qatar Philharmonic concert promises an unforgettable evening that celebrates the timeless beauty and storytelling power of French music.
Qatar Tribune
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Live Music Under the Stars: CineMoon Ensemble brings classical sound to school community
Under a starlit Doha sky, the CineMoon Ensemble, member of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, delivered a memorable concert at the German International School Doha. Titled 'Live Music Under the Stars', the concert combined musical performance with educational engagement in a setting designed to bring students and professionals altogether. The concert started with a performance from the school's band then followed by the performance of the CineMoon Ensemble. Merve Kenet Bulun, founder and artistic director of CineMoon Ensemble, said: 'The highlight of this evening was really the message behind it. Our collaboration between the CineMoon Ensemble and the school band was very meaningful to me. Music brought us together — experienced musicians and young students just starting their journey. It was a joy to share the stage with them, and I truly admire their professionalism and the happiness they showed while performing.' The evening's repertoire featured a mix of classical pieces, captivating an audience of around 180 guests. The open-air setting of thecampus, described by Principal Kai Darmstädter as a 'garden party', provided the perfect ambiance for an intimate yet vibrant musical experience. Darmstädter described the concert as part of the school's effort to promote cultural engagement within the wider explained that the event, which is the second time that they are doing, is a chance to invite people into the school, not only to enjoy music, but to see that classical music is accessible and enjoyable. Acknowledging that many students are more familiar with pop music and digital content, Darmstädter noted the value of exposing them to orchestral instruments and live ensembles. He noted that they have limited time for music in the curriculum, and events like this help bridge the gap as they give students a different kind of musical experience. The concert also served as a learning opportunity, with teachers using the occasion to introduce students to orchestral arrangements, instrument families, and the work of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The partnership with CineMoon Ensemble has already prompted discussions about future collaborations. Bulun said, 'I believe music is a universal language — it carries happiness, joy, sadness, and imagination. I would encourage every young person to try learning an instrument or to sing. Music is truly a gift for the soul and one of the most beautiful presents humanity has received: a world filled with wonderful sounds.' (TNN)
Korea Herald
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ambassador Al-Hamar on 50 years of Qatar-Korea relations and Qatar's cultural diplomacy
The recent performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul was more than an evening of music — it was a vivid expression of the deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and Korea. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the concert struck a symbolic high note in a year filled with cross-cultural engagement. Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Korea, described the event as a bridge between two cultures — one that brought the Qatari spirit to Korean audiences not through words or treaties, but through music. 'This performance, presented by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, was a channel of communication between peoples,' he said, adding that the concert "offers a glimpse into the development witnessed by the State of Qatar in all fields, especially the cultural field,' he said. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Wilson Ng, took the stage over the weekend with top Korean artists, singer Sumi Jo and pianist Park Jae-hong. Founded in 2008, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, comprising 96 musicians from more than 30 countries, has emerged as a central institution in the country's efforts to cultivate and export culture. With a mission to blend Arab musical heritage with international repertoires, the orchestra has become both a national emblem and a diplomatic envoy, the ambassador explained. Its recent performance in Seoul was not only a celebration of Qatar's artistic evolution, but also a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries, he added. That friendship, once anchored in trade and energy, has steadily expanded into education, tourism and increasingly, the arts, the ambassador said. In recent years, cultural ties have accelerated, with Qatari and Korean institutions hosting exhibitions, musical events and collaborative programs. The orchestra's visit followed a series of cultural initiatives marking the 50th anniversary, including Qatar Day at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a translated book on Qatari heritage released in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Library, and a children's art contest co-hosted with the Multicultural Museum. Al-Hamar points to these efforts as part of a broader strategy — one that sees culture as an essential component of diplomacy. Qatar's approach to cultural diplomacy is deeply institutional, built on major investments in museums, heritage preservation and global arts initiatives. Landmark institutions such as the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art not only reflect the nation's cultural identity but also function as tools of soft power on the world stage, according to the ambassador. One of Qatar's most prominent cultural platforms is the Years of Culture program, which partners annually with another country for a curated season of cultural exchange. Past partnerships have featured Japan, China and Indonesia. Ambassador Al-Hamar expressed strong interest in launching a Qatar-Korea Year of Culture, which would further solidify the foundation laid by events like the recent concert. Looking ahead, Al-Hamar was optimistic about the future of Qatar-Korea cultural relations. 'Qatari-Korean relations can now be described as advanced, solid, and based on mutual interests and benefits, yet open to further development. Although these relations were initially based solely on economics and trade, in recent years they have evolved into comprehensive, complementary relations across various fields, including culture," he said.
