Qatar Museums (QM) held the opening concert of Qatar - France Year of Culture 2020 at the Katara Cultural Village, Opera House.

The opening concert was introduced by HE Minister of State Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, and HE Ambassador of France to Qatar Franck Gellet, in addition to a number of ambassadors, diplomats, and media men.

During the concert, Marc Piollet, one of the most exciting and versatile conductors of his generation, led the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) in a compelling programme of French classics. Accompanied by Lise de la Salle on the piano.

QPO performed Camille Saint-Saens' Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22, and Hector Berlioz' Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14 an iconic programme symphony.

Marc Piollet has held respected positions at a number of leading opera houses around the world and has conducted acclaimed performances of Wagner's complete Ring and new productions including Don Carlos, Elektra, Falstaff, Faust, Fidelio, and Tosca.

The concert also included a performance of Doha Secrets Symphony by Qatari composer Haamed Hussein Naama.

HE Minister of State Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari commented: "Since the programme was established in 2012, it was clear to us, that the French Republic with its distinctive cultural position on the world's map and the heritage of its civilization would be an ideal partner nation. As we officially launch this edition, we are confident that it will be both successful and distinctive."

He added that holding of this event in Katara today, comes from our awareness of the importance of this edifice, as it is the place where other cultures with our Arab culture can meet.

The relations between the Arab and the Islamic civilization and French culture are rooted in the depth of history. As an example, the famous poem written by the famous French writer and poet Victor Hugo in the praise of the Messenger, peace be upon him.

HE Ambassador Franck Gellet said, "2020 is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the strength, depth, and dynamism of the relationship of friendship and partnership that unite our two countries through culture and art which are the common language amongst communities and societies of the world. For Qataris, it will be an opportunity to better understand our dynamism of creativity and our cultural institutions, and, for the French, to explore Qatar's culture, history, and ambitions. I look forward to the participation of all friends of France and Qatar in the success of Qatar - France 2020."

Commenting on the opening, Head of Year of Culture at QM Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya said that Qatar-France 2020 will include a series of exhibitions, festivals, and events which will be held in both nations over the next twelve months. She hopes that the initiative will help to strengthen the already well-established ties which Qatar and France share and create platforms where ideas, thoughts, and appreciation can be exchanged in a spirit of openness and collaboration.

In turn, Qatari composer Haamed Hussein Naama, in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), highlighted that Doha Secrets Symphony which was played, consists of four movements, the last movement embodies An enthusiastic appeal that takes the form of an introductory melody and a strong voice, echoing the past of the ancestors.

The Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, sponsored by Qatar Airways, was planned in collaboration with leading institutions in Qatar and France, including the Embassy of Qatar in France, the Embassy of France in Qatar, Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sport, Qatar Foundation, The National Tourism Council, Doha Film Institute, Qatar National Library, Katara, Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Football Association.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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