Several songs by noted Qatari composer and songwriter Dana Alfardan will be performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) and leading soprano vocalist, Daisy Chute, at the Sandstorm Concert on November 20 at the Katara Opera House.

“Dana Alfardan has confirmed that 17 of her songs, including several from her latest album, Sandstorm, in addition to the debut of two new songs, will be performed on the occasion,” a statement said yesterday.

The Sandstorm Concert, in association with DNA Records, Qatar’s first home grown record label founded by Dana, will begin with Dana’s first piece, ‘The Beginning’ from her latest album, Sandstorm, which is also the theme song for Hamad International Airport (HIA).

This piece will be performed live on stage, by over 80 QPO musicians, and accompanied by a video that features the QPO performing the song at various locations throughout HIA including the airport’s main runway.

Throughout the evening, music lovers and guests will be able to enjoy Dana’s signature sounds including ‘Won’t Drown’, ‘Pride of A Nation’ and ‘Music Box’, along with never-before-heard music to be launched for the first time at the Sandstorm concert.

Dana’s two new songs include ‘Lustre’, a collaboration between esteemed solo violinist and prominent member of the QPO, MAias Alyamani, with Dana writing the music and MAias arranging it. This song is a reference to the lustrous, silvery-white substance that is omitted from pearls and also a nod to the Alfardan family’s heritage and pearl trading background.

Dana’s second new piece ‘Fijiri’ is a modern orchestral rendition of pearl diving music featuring her signature nuances.

“Pearl diving is something that has been in my family for generations and has also had a lasting impact on Qatar, and I am eagerly awaiting the response from music lovers and listeners alike to these pieces,” she said.

Dana and the QPO have enjoyed a long-lasting and fruitful relationship over the years, with a highpoint being in 2015 when the QPO, once again in association with DNA Records, presented Layla at the Katara Opera House as an interpretation of Dana’s first album.