10 facts celebrating 10 years of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

1. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra contributes towards new knowledge in Qatar.

A knowledge-driven society relies on new talent and ideas. By creating an appreciation for fine arts and music, the Philharmonic aims to inspire children and adults to explore different avenues of self expression and join a world of music alongside Arab composers and musicians.

2. Its 10-year concert will mirror its very first.

On Tuesday, February 26, the Philharmonic will perform the same program as on October 30, 2008!

3. The highly-respected Lorin Maazel conducted the very first Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008.

Maazel was an American conductor, violinist, and composer who made his debut aged only eight. He then went on to become the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among other posts!

4. The Philharmonic has performed in eight different countries.

From France, Austria and Italy to the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and Syria, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has performed 31 concerts outside of Qatar.

5. One of its prominent international concerts commemorated the Qatar-Russia Year of Culture 2018.

The performance, held in St. Petersburg, brought a Western twist to Arabic music and featured Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi. The Philharmonic performed original pieces from Qatari composers Dana Al Fardan, Nasser Sahim, and Wael Binali.

6. In 2012, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performed at the United Nations General Assembly.

The UN hosted a special cultural event to honor UN Women and raise awareness for the need to empower women. The event was hosted by His Excellency Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, who presided over the UNGA’s 66th session that year.

7. Over 100 different musicians have performed with the Philharmonic.

And they span 28 nationalities! As of 2019, the orchestra is made up of 95 musicians.

8. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has also composed original

Just last month, it premiered its performance of ‘Nour, Anna and the Wise Fools’ at Katara Drama Theatre. The stage play was a partnership with the Philharmonic, QF initiative the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), and QF member Qatar Music Academy.

9. The Philharmonic’s biggest performances have taken place across Doha and in London.

The venues for its highest-selling concerts have been the Katara Amphitheatre, the Ceremonial Court in Education City - and the Royal Albert Hall in London!

10. Many notable musicians have performed with the Philharmonic in the past decade.

From Rudolf Buchbinder and Christopher Park, both pianists, to Daniel Mueller-Schott, Placido Domingo and, of course, Marcel Khalifé, the Lebanese composer, singer, and oud player, who will take the stage at the Philharmonic’s 10-year anniversary concert.