After leaving his mark on the efforts to revive classical Qatari music, famous singer and composer Nasser Sahim Nasseb is now on a mission which he terms distinctive. The deputy executive director of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is set to release a patriotic song as a National Day gift for his country.
“I am looking to make it special and enthuse all,” he told Gulf Times.
Nasser Sahim, who belongs to a family of famous musicians, believes the present mission will help him keep the rich legacy intact. His grandfather Abdul Karim Faraj and uncle Faraj Abdul Karim were renowned for their contributions for traditional Qatari music. The family kept close ties with Qatar national anthem composer Abdulaziz Nasser al-Obaidan. “In fact, it’s like a long cherishing dream comes true. And I am looking to do justice to my work through dedication,” Nasser said.
Inspired by his grandfather and uncle, Nasser Sahim, who was a young Oud player, made his debut in 1995. Named Al Asdeqa (Friends), his first composition was released in 2011. Known for his traditional and classical harmonies, Nasser Sahim is now integral part of QPO. Along with QPO, he is now carrying out efforts to revitalise classical Qatari music by promoting it among youth and
children.
Touted to be the first of its kind in Qatar, QPO was formally launched by Qatar Foundation in 2008 and Nasser joined the initiative in 2010.
Being the lone Qatari member of QPO, Nasser Sahim is working to promote western and Arabic music across the world and making Qataris aware and proud of their tradition of music. “QPO is bringing in changes. Qatari youths and children are increasingly drawn towards classical Qatari music as a result of QPO’s efforts,” he said.
In fact, his experiences in Tunis and Munich where he studied music have helped him a lot to experiment in composing. QPO composers, including Nasser Sahim, are active in composing classical music for videos, films and video games. “Our initiatives have lent Qataris opportunities to enjoy classical music while they watch videos and films and play video games,” he said, adding, “QPO team is getting good feedback after it started the new venture. We are steadily racing towards our goal by developing a taste of classical music among Qataris by making use of all available opportunities.”
QPO, according to Nasser Sahim, functions as a bridge between the East and the West by promoting Arabic and western music. QPO has now musicians and composers from 28 countries. “It’s a platform for musicians from all over the world. We all together work for a unique cause - to share the culture and strengthen humanity and ties between cultures and countries,” Nasser Sahim said.
QPO hosts 40 programmes a year on an average basis at its home, the Katara Opera House. Besides, the team also holds regular tours in a bid to uphold Qatar’s voice in international venues. These performances include the prestigious BBC Proms in Royal Albert Hall in London, Santa Cecilia Hall in Rome, the Kennedy Center in Washington and the United Nations General Assembly.
“We are winning accolades across the world and QPO is conquering new heights,” Nasser Sahim said sharing his experience in China where QPO was invited to perform. “Our performance followed a musical feast by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. We could draw the attention. And we found people along with media praising us and drawing comparison with Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Indeed, it is a recognition with much worth,” he added.
Related Story