14 September 2025 – Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) opened a new chapter in its international journey tonight with a landmark concert at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The performance, a cultural gift free to the public, served as the official launch of QPO’s first South American tour and set the stage for its historic debut at Buenos Aires’ storied Teatro Colón on September 17.

Organised under the umbrella of the Qatar-Argentina 2025 Year of Culture, the programme underscores the Philharmonic’s mission to act as a cultural bridge between Qatar and the world.

A Cross-Continental Musical Dialogue

Tonight’s performance previewed the repertoire that will travel to Argentina, featuring more than 70 musicians under the baton of Grammy-nominated Maestro Enrique Arturo Diemecke in his much-anticipated return to Teatro Colón, where he previously served as Artistic General Director (2017–2022).

The concert highlighted a unique blend of traditions:

• Esteban Benzecry’s Obertura Tanguera – an homage to Argentina’s tango heritage.
• Dana Al Fardan’s Pangea and Borealis – compositions reflecting Qatar’s contemporary voice in global music.
• Nasser Sahim’s Four Seasons & Spirit of Maqam – combining Gulf musical scales with symphonic orchestration.
• Astor Piazzolla’s Concerto for Bandoneón “Aconcagua”, performed by Argentinian virtuoso Víctor Hugo Villena.
• Alberto Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes, a gem of Argentina’s modern classical repertoire.

Voices of Partnership

“The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra was founded to promote cultural exchange through music, and tonight’s concert embodies that mission,” said Kurt Meister, Executive Director of QPO. “Doha’s audience has witnessed the beginning of a journey that will soon resonate across continents when we perform at Teatro Colón.”

A Legacy of Exchange

Founded in 2007 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, QPO brings together musicians from 28 countries and has already performed at world-renowned venues including La Scala and Royal Albert Hall. With tonight’s Doha concert, the Philharmonic continues its tradition of blending Western symphonic repertoire with Arab musical heritage while building bridges through cultural diplomacy.

Both tonight’s performance in Doha and the upcoming concert at Teatro Colón are offered as cultural gifts from Qatar, reaffirming the power of music to transcend borders and unite audiences.