The Royal Scottish National Orchestra on Stage at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh during the Qatar UK 2013 Concert.
Edinburgh, UK: The Musical Celebration of Qatar UK Year of Culture 2013, organised by the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Scottish premieres by renowned Qatari and British composers, has impressed the audience at the city’s magnificent Usher Hall.
The Scotsman proclaimed that the event was “made for an impressive combination.”
In his welcome speech, Qatari Ambassador to London, Khalid Rashid Salem Al Homoudi Al Mansouri, said: “Music is a powerful and inspirational tool, and this (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 Elgar’s Cello Concerto “with exquisite and authoritative lyricism” (The Scotsman).
The audience also heard Edinburgh’s The Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral, led by Duncan Ferguson, perform Handel’s majestic Zadok the Priest. International pianist Amira Fouad played composer David Heath’s exciting new piano concerto El Hedeiya - The Gift with percussionist Gary Kettel, conducted by the composer himself.
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 David Heath.
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 a great sense of enthusiasm and honour to be working together dedicating their works to the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.
Amira Fouad, Artistic Director of Qanas Productions, hosted the concert’s over subscribed Pre-Show talk.
She was joined on stage for a lively discussion with the featured composers, Wael Binali and David Heath, and Duncan Ferguson, Choir Master for the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral.
Working with Qatar UK 2013 the composers and musicians were empowered to share their talent, knowledge and experience with an inspired, standing room only audience, and provide the context for the concert that followed. The pre-concert talk also highlighted the ways in which the QMA continues to partner with world-class educational institutes of learning, including the RSNO, composers and musicians.
The Peninsula
