Academy to open in new Cultural Village in 2009

Academy to be supported by the new Qatar Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra to play inaugural concert on 29th October 2008

101-member orchestra drawn from 31 nations arrives in Doha in August

Music Academy will eventually be based at Education City

Doha, May 5, 2008: Qatar Foundation is to establish a Music Academy to complement the cultural environment of the world-class academic institutions based at Education City.

The academy, which is due to open in late 2009, will initially be housed at Qatar's new Cultural Village, along with the new 101-member Qatar Symphony Orchestra that takes up residence this summer.

When the Academy later moves to a purpose-built home at Education City, it will take its place alongside with prestigious institutions partnering with Qatar Foundation some of which are participating in Qatar Foundation's convocation ceremony today.

The Academy is being developed as one of the Qatar Foundation's Centres rather than as a branch of an existing institution, although discussions are already underway to develop links with the world's leading music schools and conservatoires.

Speaking about the plans during the convocation celebrations at Education City, Dr Saif Ali Al-Hajari, Qatar Foundation Vice-Chairperson, commented: "Our plans for a new music academy here in Doha are notable for several reasons. Not only will the academy develop the cultural aspect of the Foundation's vision, but it will immeasurably enrich the cultural life of Doha. Most importantly, however, it will do so by concentrating not just on the European tradition of orchestral music, but equally on the rich heritage of Arabian music."

Underlining this emphasis on dual musical traditions, the first concert by the new Qatar Symphony Orchestra in October this year will showcase a new piece by the renowned Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife.

The Orchestra itself will form a major part of the life of the Academy. Created in the course of the last year, with auditions held across Europe and also in Cairo, its members will support the faculty of the Music Academy while also playing a full series of concerts over the coming year.

-Ends-

About Qatar Foundation
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people.  The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City.  A fourteen million square-meter campus, Education City is home to numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge science and technology park.  Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in Education, Science, Technology and Community Health and Development.

For more information, please visit: www.qf.org.qa

For further information please contact Qatar Foundation's Media Relations Officers Omar Chaikhouni, at +974-4540967, or Tariq Al-Sada on +974 5886760

© Press Release 2008