Doha Secrets, the first Qatari symphony, will be performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at the Aspire Concert Hall in the Aspire Zone this evening to mark the orchestra’s first anniversary.
The symphony, by noted Qatari composer Hameed Naama, tells the story of Qatar’s capital city Doha.
“It is the struggle and achievements made by Doha, which is the gateway to Qatar, that the symphony seeks to convey through its four movements. The first movement reflects the ambition, struggle, resolve, the hopes and aspirations of the city supported by the ‘Prince of Peace’, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani,” Naama told Gulf Times.
The piece will be followed by classical works by famous composers.
The entire programme will be presented by Nader Abbassi.
The symphony’s second movement, he added, begins calmly, through the influential voice of the string instruments which open scope for thinking and preparedness among listeners.
To achieve this, the composer introduced the Gulf rhythm followed by entering the Arab Masmoudi rhythm to confirm the Arab identity of Qatar, by highlighting the location of Doha in the middle of the Gulf.
The second movement ends by the sun rise, and clarity of vision. Thus begins the journey and the willingness of Doha to a new day.
Naama, also an author of books, has composed national and romantic pieces including the Green Qatar and Ibn Sina operettas.
He was the head of the production section at Qatar Radio from 1976 to 1980. He was also a deputy chairman of the Arab Council for Music in 1998.
The third movement begins with the overall development and openness to the world with confidence and determination.
It shows the renaissance Qatar has started with giant projects, the changed paths of education towards excellence to keep pace with the future.
“The rapid pace of trio rhythm Scherzo expresses joy, happiness and building of the future, while the entry of the Gulf rhythm give the impression of choosing the right path, and opening the prospect of a bright future,” Naama explained.
The fourth movement, under the title: “Welcome everybody in everyone’s Doha”, is uttering a gracious invitation through an introductory tune and strong voice, the echo of the ancestors, the voice of the Nahhaam (the song leader at sea) to relieve and ease the pressure on sailors as they reached their destination (the location of pearls).
“After that, all the people of hospitable Qatar gathered around their strong leader as one body, and one human voice chanting a wonderful anthem in a melodic march that slowly increases and a raising tone of joy and with drums beating the message of hope, love and progress.
“These are the secrets of Doha, the gate to enter Qatar and be with the Prince of freedom, democracy and peace,” Naama added. |
