Opera and Classical Music Awards ceremony (Oscar Della Lirica) will be held in Qatar at Katara for the first time.
Doha
Katara, the Cultural Village Foundation, has completed all preparations for the fourth edition of its International Opera and Classical Music Awards ceremony (Oscar Della Lirica), which will be held for the first time in Qatar on December 12.
The event at Katara's Amphitheatre introduces world-famous artistes and musicians to the region including Oscar winner artistes - opera director Damiano Michieletto, baritone Alberto Gazale, bass Ferruccio Fulaneto and Tenor Francesco Meli.
Award categories include Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Mezzo-Soprano, Bass, Contralto, Conductor, Orchestra, Choir, Costume Designer, Corps de ballet, Director and Set Designer.
In its fourth edition, Oscar Della Lirica's proceeds will go to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for humanitarian relief.
Katara's manager of Marketing and International Relations and chairman of the event's organising committee, Darwish Saleh al-Shibany, said that the awards ceremony is part of Katara's efforts towards international acclaim.
Al-Shibany noted that with an event that is leaving its motherland of Italy for the first time, Katara aims to raise the bar for works of art in the country, especially music.
The chairman said a huge ticket-buyers turnout at Virgin Megastores had been recorded, which reflects the audience's wish to live an operatic experience at the Amphitheatre.
Al-Shibany said the stage will accommodate more than 100 musicians from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The event will conclude with dazzling fireworks display for a spectacular grand finale.
The awards ceremony will witness the honoring of Qatari musician Abdulaziz Nasser Ahmed Obeidan, who composed the country's national anthem as well as enriched its music library with a number of his works, inspired by Qatari folklore.
"The recognition of the creators and innovators brings joy to their hearts and encourages them to go on,” Obeidan said. “To be honored during Oscar Della Lirica, which awards internationally celebrated artists, makes me understand the kind of responsibility that the artist has to carry for the sake of his homeland and nation's issues.
“I thank God and I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of this honor."
In 2010, the first edition of Oscar Della Lirica took place at the Verona Arena. Two years later, the ceremony's second edition was held at the Grande Puccini Open Theatre at Torre del Lago, followed by its third edition in 2013 at The Municipal Theatre of Bologna.