The Peninsula
Experience the classical music from World Cup champion nations — a concert which will take you through an emotional, harmonic and rhythmic range.
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Qatar Concert Choir are set to perform the “Gala of Champions” concert at Katara Cultural Village, Opera House, on November 17 – days before the World Cup begins.
The sold-out concert will feature classical music from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, Britain, and Spain. The orchestra has partnered with the said countries’ embassies to make the inimitable concert possible.
The orchestra and the choir will perform compositions from Oscar Lorenzo Fernández, Manuel de Falla, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Gioacchino Rossini, Edward Elgar and many more.
Johannes Vogel, an internationally sought-after session conductor, both in the classical world and film scoring, will lead the concert.
Speaking to The Peninsula, he said: “Our idea was to present music from countries which won the World Cup in the past. So it will be a ride through very different cultures around the world connected through the power of music.”
With the concert being held three days before the biggest sporting showpiece, Vogel emphasised that Qatar presents as a “connector of cultures.”
“Qatar serving as host for the World Cup is an important contribution in our times of crisis all over the world as Qatar presents itself as a connector of cultures in a very friendly and open-minded way. Music as well serves perfectly on an emotional level to bring people together in joy. Every culture is proud of their achievements and music was and is at the core of cultural identification. Our concert will focus on great musical achievements of these countries.”
Music, like football is a universal language. According to the highly regarded conductor, music allows us to feel connected to one another, express our emotions with the audience, and experience the strength of joy and tolerance.
“Music can evoke all feelings ranging from sadness to delight. Also an event like the World Cup evokes these feelings, so during the time of the games, there will be a magic energy over Qatar which will spread around the world.”
The conductor said he is thankful for the opportunity to perform in the country and the upcoming concert will be magical. “I am very grateful to be able to perform at such a great place like Doha. During these days it is a very magical place and we will do magic in our concert,” Vogel added.
Vogel has earned worldwide acclamation for his revolutionary approach towards masterworks of classical music. He is a composer and producer for film and television. His recent works include MGM/Paramount production Hercules and Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak.
Chorus Master of the “Gala of Champions” concert is Giovanni Pasini. The programme will feature music from Oscar Lorenzo Fernandez’s Batuque; Heitor Villa Lobos’ Bachiana Brasileira No. 4 (1. Introduction) and Bachiana Brasileira No. 2 (4. The Little Train of the Countryman); Clarice Assad’s Dança Brasileira from Impressions for Strings; Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Allegretto from Symphony No. 7; Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin Intermezzo Act 03; Gioacchino Rossini’s Scala Di Seta (The Silken Staircase).
Also Pietro Mascagni’s Intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana”; Giacomo Puccini’s Humming Chorus from “Madame Butterfly” with Choir; Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane with Choir; José Serebrier’s Tango in Blue; Astor Piazzolla’s Invierno Porteño; Manuel De Falla’s Ballet Medley (from El Sombrero de tres Picos & El Amor Brujo), Farruca – El círculo mágico – Danza ritual del fuego and Ritual Fire Dance from ‘El Amor Brujo’; and Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstances March No. 1 with choir.