Katara – the Cultural Village is organising the 8th Katara European Jazz Festival, from December 5-8, in co-operation with 11 European embassies in Qatar.
During a press conference, Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti emphasised that the festival is a unique opportunity to discover the musical diversity of jazz, which also combines ancient traditions with modern artistic innovation.
He said that it is a source of pride for Katara to organise this annual cultural and artistic event that brings together a selection of the most prominent European and international jazz bands, affirming its vision as a platform for culture, artistic creativity, and cultural exchange, and a meeting place for all peoples.
Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi said that art is a tool for building bridges between peoples and cultures, and that each year this event brings Qatar and Europe closer through music.
Italy’s contribution to this year’s Jazz Festival, he said, includes the band Collettivo Immaginario and singer Paola Gladys, whose musical repertoire blends Italian traditions, jazz, and sounds from the Americas and Africa an original mix.
The envoy added that the audience in Doha is sure to greatly enjoy the opportunity to hear these talented artists perform on stage for the first time in Qatar.
French ambassador Jean-Baptiste Favre said the French embassy is proud to participate in the 8th Katara European Jazz Festival with four talented musicians from the band Electric 4tet.
Malta’s ambassador to Qatar Simon Pullicino said that the international event brings together a diverse group of musical talents from across Europe and celebrates the vibrant musical heritage that connects European peoples.
The envoy noted that the rich and vibrant art of jazz expresses creativity, shared values and contributes to bringing people together.
Belgian ambassador William Asselborn said that the Belgian embassy is participating by presenting the band Emocion, a famous jazz band that presents a beautiful mix of music and global sounds, from classical music and jazz to traditional and contemporary Latin rhythms.
Austrian ambassador Erika Bernhard said the Austrian embassy is participating in the festival through the Candlelight band.
The band is known, she said, for its blend of contemporary jazz and attractive performances, which embodies the spirit of Austrian creativity and musical excellence.
The Katara European Jazz Festival was launched in 2014.
