Qatar Foundation to establish music academy

The academy, which is due to open in late 2009, will initially be housed at Qatar's new Cultural Village, along with the new 101-member Qatar Symphony Orchestra that takes up residence this summer.

When the Academy later moves to a purpose-built home at Education City, it will take its place alongside with prestigious institutions partnering with Qatar Foundation some of which are participating in Qatar Foundation's convocation ceremony today.

The Academy is being developed as one of the Qatar Foundation's Centres rather than as a branch of an existing institution, although discussions are already underway to develop links with the world's leading music schools and conservatoires.

Speaking about the plans during the convocation celebrations at Education City, Dr Saif Ali Al-Hajari, Qatar Foundation Vice-Chairperson, commented: "Our plans for a new music academy here in Doha are notable for several reasons. Not only will the academy develop the cultural aspect of the Foundation's vision, but it will immeasurably enrich the cultural life of Doha. Most importantly, however, it will do so by concentrating not just on the European tradition of orchestral music, but equally on the rich heritage of Arabian music".

Underlining this emphasis on dual musical traditions, the first concert by the new Qatar Symphony Orchestra in October this year will showcase a new piece by the renowned Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife.

The Orchestra itself will form a major part of the life of the Academy. Created in the course of the last year, with auditions held across Europe and also in Cairo, its members will support the faculty of the Music Academy while also playing a full series of concerts over the coming year.