Exciting start to Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra put on yet another stellar performance which drew tumultuous ovations as it played German and Qatari masterpieces to a capacity audience at Katara Opera House last night, marking the official launch of Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture.
The concert, directed by German conductor David Niemann, was headlined by renowned German classical pianist Gerhard Oppitz and featured a rich repertoire of compositions by Qatari and German composers including Hussein Naama's Fourth Movement from Doha Secrets Symphony, Nasser Nasseb's Al Haneen, Dana Alfardan's The Beginning, Wael Binali's Earth, Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 and Richard Wagner's Overture to Tannhäuser.
This year of culture promises an exciting programme of events to be presented by institutions in Qatar and Germany year-round, aimed at bolstering ties between both countries through mutual exchange of arts, culture, and sport, as well as promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between Qatar and Germany.
Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Cultural Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar's candidate for the post of Unesco Secretary-General, Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hamadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education and former German President Christian Wulff were among the guests of honours at the event.
Welcoming the audience, German Ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel, said, "Culture is one of the most effective tools to bring people closer together. For Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture, we want to grow the knowledge of both societies of Germany and Qatar and share our ideas about opportunities and challenges for our future.""Culture and the arts provide a platform to get to know each other, to connect people and exchange similar and different views in the framework of international cultural dialogue," he added.
The Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture is part of the landmark ‘Years of Culture’ initiative launched in 2012 under the guidance of Qatar Museums’ Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bintHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. It follows the success of previous years of culture including Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Turkey 2015, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-UK 2013, and Qatar-Japan 2012.
The Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture is organized by Qatar Museums in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and the German Embassy Doha and involves high profileorganisations in Qatar including the Qatar National Library, Doha Film Institute, Katara, and the Qatar PhilharmonicOrchestra.
As a highlight of the year, Qatar Museums will host two exhibitions together with Volkswagen AG and Deutsche Bank AG in autumn of this year. These exhibitions will be shown at Al Riwaq Gallery and at the Fire Station: Artist in Residence and will feature the history and evolution of German art and design .
Furthermore literary and art workshops, film screenings and discussions, concerts and performances, sport competitions and trade shows will be organized by the various German and Qatari partner institutions in Doha throughout the year.
Doha Film Institute launches German Film Week tonight featuring the screening of eight German films by master filmmakers.
Last night's concert will have a repeat tonight. Tickets can be purchased on Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra's website: http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/