‘Doha Secrets Symphony’, a premiere opus of Qatari composer Haamed Hussein Naama, featured the highly successful first anniversary concert of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) yesterday.
With the same zeal they displayed during their inaugural concert a year ago, the 101-member orchestra hailing from 30 different countries rendered Naama’s symphony considered a symbol of the vision of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for Qatar.
Written in four movements, the composition, which was especially commissioned for the anniversary concert, embodies Qatar’s birth, its struggles and onward progress through the wise guidance of the Emir. Through his work entirely dedicated to Qatar, Naama captures the essence of Qatar’s important role in the Gulf in particular and in the world.
A celebrated Qatari musician, multi-faceted Naama earned his degree from the Higher Institute of Arabic Music in Cairo, a course in composition and orchestral distributuion from the Philippines and orchestral direction from Great Britain.
“Music as beauty knows no country,” said Unesco Artist for Peace Marcel Khalife, whose composition ‘Salute’ served as the concert’s prelude. ‘Salute’ has been commissioned to be played during inaugural concerts last year.
The highly rhythmic and melodic piece is just one of his 25 instrumental and lyrical works in his illustrious musical career spanning 35 years.
“About a year ago, this was just a dream, but with the generous support of H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, it has become a reality. And now as we celebrate one year allow me to express my deepest gratitude to Her Highness,” said Dr. Saif Al Hajri, Chairman of the QPO.
On behalf of Qatar Foundation, Dr. Al Hajri also thanked and lauded the hard work and enthusiasm of all those involved from the QPO’s inception until the present.
“QPO combines the creativity of the West with the promise of the East and we promise to give you wonderful and diverse shows in the future,” said Al Hajri as he addressed hundreds of spectators at the concert in the Aspire Zone Ladies Club.
The concert was conducted by prolific conductor Nader Abassi who has frequently featured in QPO concerts since last year.
The event also featured some more pieces by globally known composers such as Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s ‘Waltz of Flowers’ from ‘Nutcracker’, ‘Waltz’ by Aram Khachaturian, and Mexican Jose Pablo Moncayo’s best known work ‘Huapango’.
Earlier, a heartfelt piano rendition of a unique arrangement of the song ‘Happy Birthday was played.
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