By Peter Townson
THE Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will give its inaugural performance tonight, with officials involved with the event claiming that it will represent an East-West bridge as well as a significant cultural achievement in the Arab world’s history.
The orchestra’s managing director, Kurt Meister, explained how the project had developed, including the selection process for the instrumentalists and how he had set out to convince the world-renowned conductor maestro Lorin Maazel to lead them for the gala performance.
He noted that the 101 chosen musicians were selected from around 3,000 initial applicants, with 33 women members in the group. He added that the orchestra also represented 31 different nationalities.
Maazel said that he was delighted to get the chance to be involved with the project, and explained how he felt it was important to teach younger musicians the knowledge he has learnt.
“At this stage in my life I have a desire to pass on my knowledge and experience, and this orchestra and its vision is an opportunity to do that,” he said.
Maazel will conduct performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Ravel’s Bolero, as well as a piece commissioned by Qatar Foundation and composed by the orchestra’s musical director, Marcel Khalifé, who said he was delighted to be part of the venture as well.
“Music crosses border and is a universal language,” said Khalifé, adding “maybe music can help change the world and build bridges between the East and West.”
“It was difficult to achieve the Arabic sound with a symphony orchestra, but I was not limited to any form, and the ‘Arabian Concerto’ is based on the history of Arabic music,” he explained.
Member of the board of governors of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Qatar Music Academy, Abdel Halim Caracalla, said: “History records leaders with great vision, and Qatar is carrying the torch of humanity in this part of the world, with HH Sheikha Mozah’s efforts to promote culture here.”
He referred to the Arabian Concerto as “an invitation to love and peace”, and expressed his pride that the orchestra will perform its first concert this evening.
Meister was keen to point out that following this performance, the orchestra has a programme intended to improve enthusiasm for classical music among the Qatari youth.
“We will be performing for schoolchildren and families, and we will have a variety of programmes to keep the orchestra interesting and get children involved,” he claimed.
Maazel, who conducted them in a rehearsal on Tuesday, said that the orchestra were “excellent and very well prepared for tonight”.
“The soloists are quite remarkable, and the event will enrich this part of the world culturally,” he said, adding “I truly believe that this initiative has a fine future.” |
