Years of Culture
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2025/11/15
With musicians from more than 30 countries, the orchestra performs a wide range of music, from European classical works to contemporary compositions by Arab and Qatari composers. Each season, its concerts attract both residents and visitors, reflecting Qatar’s growing engagement with the arts and live performance.
Established in 2007 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra was founded to introduce symphonic music to new audiences while celebrating the region’s own musical heritage. From its earliest performances, the orchestra has focused on presenting Western classical traditions alongside music from the Arab world.
The orchestra’s mission extends beyond the concert hall. It plays a key role in nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for cultural exchange through music. Over the years, QPO has represented Qatar internationally, performing in cities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The orchestra’s home is the Katara Opera House, located within Katara Cultural Village. The venue’s design and acoustics make it a perfect setting for the orchestra’s concerts, offering an experience that feels both grand and inclusive.
The orchestra also performs at other major venues in Doha, including the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). These events are part of a growing calendar of cultural activities that position Doha as a centre for live orchestral performance.
Each season, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra programme includes a wide variety of concerts including symphonic series, chamber performances, and collaborations with visiting soloists and composers.
The orchestra’s concert calendar offers audiences a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions. Notable recent events include "A Musical Encounter - Sounds of Qatar and Argentina” at QNCC, which presented a special preview performance in Doha ahead of QPO taking to the stage at the world-renowned Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires a few days later.
An upcoming highlight is Pop Greatest Hits on 13th November 2025 at UVenue in Al Muraikh. Under Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis, the orchestra will be joined by guest vocalists for a thrilling evening of iconic pop songs, from Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson to Amy Winehouse.
Details about upcoming performances, subscription options, and ticket availability are published regularly on the orchestra’s official programme page.
Throughout the year, audiences can expect themed performances that highlight film scores, symphonic classics, and music by Arab composers. Regular collaborations with international artists bring new perspectives to the repertoire, while family concerts and special events encourage broader participation from the local community.
The orchestra also plays an active educational role, often collaborating with Qatar Music Academy (QMA). Through workshops, open rehearsals, and school-based programmes, QPO provides talented young musicians in Qatar with opportunities to learn from professionals. These initiatives aim to inspire an early and lasting interest in music.
Members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra come from diverse backgrounds and bring extensive international experience, combining their talents under the guidance of Executive Director Kurt Meister and Deputy Executive Director Nasser Sahim to create a cohesive, expressive ensemble.
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s principal musicians lead their sections and help shape the ensemble’s artistic direction. Many are accomplished performers who have worked with leading orchestras around the world before joining QPO in Doha, bringing a high level of skill and a wealth of experience on the leading global stages.
Among those in key leadership roles are:
These musicians exemplify how QPO draws on global talent to build its distinctive sound, while also fostering mentorship and high performance standards throughout the orchestra.
Over the years, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has been guided by a series of distinguished conductors who have shaped its artistic development and repertoire. Among them are Han-Na Chang and Gianluigi Gelmetti, whose leadership helped establish the orchestra’s sound and international profile.
In September 2015, Dmitrij Kitajenko was named Conductor of Honour of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Kitajenko is regarded as one of the leading conductors of his generation, and his association with QPO has brought a wealth of experience and international insight to the ensemble, contributing to its artistic growth and the refinement of its performance standards.
Attending a concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra offers an engaging cultural experience for both residents and visitors. Beyond the music itself, a performance at the Katara Opera House or Qatar National Convention Centre provides insight into Qatar’s growing arts scene and its commitment to making culture accessible to everyone. Plan your visit with ticketing details and audience guidelines.
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra tickets can be purchased through the orchestra’s official website or directly at the Katara Opera House box office. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for popular performances and international collaborations which often sell out in advance.
Attending a performance at the Katara Opera House is both a cultural and social occasion, and visitors are encouraged to dress and behave in a manner that reflects respect for the venue and its audience. Smart or semi-formal clothing is recommended.
For men, a collared shirt with long trousers or tailored chinos is suitable. Smart jeans may be acceptable for less formal events, ideally paired with a blazer or jacket.
For women, dresses, skirts, or tailored trousers with a modest blouse or top are appropriate. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered. For evening performances, more elegant attire such as a cocktail dress or a formal abaya is encouraged. Dress shoes or smart flats are preferred, while sports shoes, sandals, or flip-flops should be avoided. In the case of a very formal occasion, a black-tie dress code may be indicated on the QPO website.
Guests are advised to arrive early, as performances begin promptly and late entry may be restricted. Once inside, mobile phones and electronic devices should be switched off, and photography or recording is not permitted.
Applause is an important part of concert etiquette and should be reserved for appropriate moments. In classical performances, audiences typically clap only at the end of a complete piece of music, not between individual movements or sections. It is also customary to applaud when the concertmaster and conductor enter the stage. Conversation should be kept to a minimum during performances to preserve the atmosphere for all audience members.
Since its founding, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has become a central part of Qatar’s cultural landscape. Its performances connect audiences across backgrounds, celebrate musical diversity, and reflect the country’s growing engagement with global collaboration through the arts.
Throughout the Years of Culture initiative, QPO has played a consistent role in bringing nations together through shared musical experiences. The orchestra’s performances have featured prominently in several editions of the programme, marking key cultural milestones.
For example, the orchestra performed the Qatar‑Germany 2017 Opening Concert to kick off the Qatar–Germany 2017 Year of Culture, bringing together German and Qatari works at the Katara Opera House under conductor David Niemann. During the Qatar–USA 2021 Year of Culture, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra also joined the U.S. Air Forces Central Band for an unforgettable Opening Concert.
More recently, the orchestra premiered Syrian-American composer Malek Jandali’s specially commissioned “Symphony No. 6, The Desert Rose” at the National Museum of Qatar, as part of the Years of Culture 10th Anniversary Celebrations.
Now, as part of the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, QPO will once again take centre stage in a new cross-continental series of concerts and collaborations. These programmes will explore the musical ties between the Middle East and Latin America, highlighting shared traditions of rhythm, melody, and storytelling. A Musical Encounter at Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires brought together composers and musicians from both countries to create a dialogue through sound.
As part of the “Philharmonic at the Library” series, QPO will also present intimate performances at the Qatar National Library, including Vuelvo al Sur and Cordillera Sonora – Sound of the Mountains.”
Through these and other events, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has established itself as an instrument of cultural dialogue, bringing world-class performances and music to Doha, collaborating with composers across the region, and representing Qatar’s cultural exchange on the global stage.
To explore more upcoming events in Qatar, visit the Years of Culture programme page.
