Qatar Airways has announced it is bringing celebrated musician Jasser Haj Youssef to Doha for a special concert held as part of Francophonie Days, an annual celebration of the culture of the Francophone world, in partnership with the French embassy and French Institute of Qatar.
Doha residents and visitors to Qatar alike are all invited to take a journey into poetry and sound at the Qatar National Theatre on March 20, where Youssef and his quartet will perform a selection of jazz music from his latest album, ‘Resonance’, Qatar Airways has said in a statement.
The concert will be preceded by a reading of French poetry, accompanied by the enchanting sound of the ney flute, a wind instrument used in classical Arabic, Persian and Turkish music.
Qatar Airways senior vice-president (marketing and corporate communications) Salam al-Shawa said, “Doha is the cultural centre of the Arabian Gulf, and as the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we are delighted to welcome great talents like Jasser Haj Youssef to Qatar.
“All who hear his music will be transported by its beauty. We invite everyone to join us tomorrow at the Qatar National Theatre for a journey into the unique and mesmerising sound of this gifted artiste and his quartet.”
Youssef specialises in the classical violin and viola d’amore, with his work heavily influenced by the Arabic maqâm.
He has performed with numerous celebrated artistes around the globe, including opera stars Barbara Hendricks and Simone Kermes, as well as Youssou N’Dour and Sister Marie Keyrouz.
Recently, he directed the Chamber Orchestra of Paris at the Philharmonie de Paris.
Other musicians to perform at the concert include percussionist Arnaud Dolmen, guitarist Marc Duronfosse and composer, pianist and percussionist Fred Soul.
Qatar Airways highlighted that it has a history of working with artistes to embed music into its brand. “The award-winning airline proudly works with globally renowned composer and artist Dana Alfardan, who is the official composer for Qatar Airways Group.
“Dana Alfardan has composed a number of highly successful pieces for the airline, including the composition and 2016 performance of ‘The Beginning’ for Hamad International Airport (HIA), its official theme song, and the Qatar Airways’ boarding music,” the statement adds.
Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft via its hub, HIA, to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
Jasser Haj Youssef
