‘Bicentennial Concert: Celebrating Uruguay’ at the Katara Opera House.
DOHA: The Embassy of Uruguay in Qatar, in collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, presented ‘Bicentennial Concert: Celebrating Uruguay’ at the Katara Opera House in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the independence of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
Welcoming the audience, Ambassador of Uruguay to Qatar H E Marcelo Esteban Gerona Morales, emphasised the historical and cultural significance of the event. He said, “Tonight, for the first time in Qatar’s history, we are pleased to present our country’s music in this orchestral setting, reflecting unique fusion of native, European, and African influences. You will listen to emblematic blends of genres such as opera, tango and candombe, all recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
The two-hour performance was conducted by the esteemed German maestro Marcus Bosch and featured acclaimed Uruguayan soprano Sofía Mara as the soloist. The evening opened with the national anthems of both Qatar and Uruguay, setting a tone of mutual respect and cultural exchange.
The first half of the evening, curated by Mara in collaboration with the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra and Uruguay’s Official Service for Broadcasting, Performances and Shows (SODRE), showcased works by Jaurés Lamarque Pons, César Cortinas, and Federico García Vigil. These compositions reflected the richness of Uruguay’s artistic heritage, combining candombe rhythms, operatic expression, and symphonic form.
Highlights of the programme included iconic tangos such as La Cumparsita by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and Mi Vieja Viola by Humberto Correa. These pieces added emotional depth and connection to Uruguay’s popular music traditions. Mara’s powerful and expressive voice brought them vividly to life, capturing the emotional and stylistic nuances of Uruguay’s diverse musical identity and reinforcing her reputation as one of the country’s most promising international voices.
The second half of the concert turned to the European classical canon, with arias and overtures by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Delibes, and Giménez. These selections showcased the technical brilliance of both the soprano and the orchestra, while also reflecting Uruguay’s historical ties to classical music traditions.
“We sincerely hope you enjoyed this evening’s performance, a meaningful expression of the deepening friendship and cultural exchange between Uruguay and Qatar, as we approach our 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027,” said Ambassador Morales.
