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(From left) Paul Goodwin, Humza Yousaf (Minister for External Affairs, Scotland), Wael Binali, David Heath, Amira Fouad, Ambassador Khalid Rashid Salem al-Homoudi al-Mansouri, Mohamed al-Kaabi (Qatari Cultural Attaché), Graham Sheffield (Director, British Council) and Duncan Ferguson. |
Prominent British and Qatari composers recently brought together their music at Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland, as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.
Organised by the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), the musical celebration was presented by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO).
In his welcome speech, Qatar’s Ambassador to the UK Khalid Rashid Salem al-Homoudi al-Mansouri said: “Music is a powerful and inspirational tool and the (Qatar UK 2013) Year of Culture is giving us the opportunity to further promote cultural dialogue and build bridges between societies and communities in both countries.”
Maestro Paul Goodwin conducted the RSNO as well as British cellist Guy Johnston, who performed Sir Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. The audience also heard Edinburgh’s very own musicians - the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral, led by Duncan Ferguson - performing Handel’s Zadok the Priest.
International pianist Amira Fouad played composer David Heath’s new piano concerto El Hedeiya - The Gift with percussionist Gary Kettel, conducted by the composer himself. Fouad’s rendition met with fervent applause and a standing ovation from a full house at Usher Hall.
Qatari composer Wael Binali’s Earth and The Oryx and the Unicorn had Scottish premières with the RSNO and several of his works were arranged and linked together by Heath. National newspaper The Scotsman commented, “In all three of his pieces, it was instantly evident why (Binali) meets with success as a film composer…the orchestral textures and colours are often pure escapism, complete with dramatic drum rolls and extravagant harp glissandi.” Both composers have expressed that is an honour to be working together, dedicating their works to Qatar UK 2013 Year
of Culture.
The Scotsman proclaimed that the event “made for an impressive combination”.
Fouad, artistic director of Qanas Productions, also hosted the concert’s pre-show talk. She was joined on stage by Binali, Heath and Ferguson for a lively discussion.
The talk highlighted the ways in which the QMA continues to partner with world-class educational institutes of learning, including the RSNO, composers and musicians.
