(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
DOHA: Katara Cultural Village is set to open a special centre for Oud to promote the Arab world's ‘king' of instruments considered the most important in Arabic classical music.
The announcement was made during the opening of the second annual Katara Oud Festival on Thursday night.
'During the First Oud Festival last year, we promised to set up a special center for Oud. We have started work on the project and one of the buildings at Katara has been selected to host the center, Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti told a packed-to-the-capacity audience at Katara Opera House.
He added: 'Now we are working on deciding the structure and activities of the center before announcing it officially. The center will play an important role in promoting Oud instrument and preserving its rich cultural heritage,
Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti formally launches the second Katara Oud Festival on Thursday night at Katara Opera House.
Themed 'Al Farabi the Second Master, the festival opened with performances by world-renowned Oud musicians before an audience comprising ministers, diplomats, music lovers and other dignitaries.
'This year's Festival is dedicated to renowned Islamic philosopher Abu Nasr Al Farabi (the Second Master), who is known for his important contributions to culture, philosophy and music. Al Farabi's Grand Book of Music and other works have greatly influenced Europe through translations, said Al Sulaiti.
Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Manager of the Festival said that the event offered a rare treat to music lovers and would play an important role in promoting art and culture in Qatar.
'Katara Oud Festival boasts an important place in the Arab and international musical map. It is considered a key platform for renowned Oud players and Oud makers in the Arab and Islamic world. The Festival provides a rare opportunity for exchange of expertise in Oud and for introducing innovative ideas in playing this stringed instrument, said Al Marzouqi.
The opening night also featured a short documentary film on the life and contributions of Al Farabi, with a special focus on the Oud. Mehmet Bitmez, a world-renowned Turkish musician, accompanied by popular band Istanbul Sazkar enthralled the audience through a special musical performance, dedicated to Al Farabi.
Famous Oud musicians Abdulazeez Al Haidous (Qatar), Mohammed Al Majri (Tunisia), Negar Bouban (Iran), Beraber (Greece), Amir Haddad (Spain) also performed in the opening ceremony.
An Indonesian band performs at Al Farabi theatre set up along Katara Amphitheatre boulevard.
Earlier on the day, an Indonesian team performed at Al Farabi theatre set up in the Amphitheatre boulevard. Musicians from Indonesia, Malaysia and Mauritania will perform at the same venue in the remaining days from 4pm.
Opera House will see daily performances by renowned Oud musicians and bands from 8pm. Famous Oud makers from Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria and Greece are introducing their instruments at kiosks across the Al Masrah street near the Amphitheatre.
Afternoon lectures and workshops on Oud continues until tomorrow at Building No 19. Some of the most ancient and most modern Oud instruments are on display in the same building, which also houses the Festival Majlis.
The four-day Festival will conclude tomorrow with a grand musical treat involving all the participating musicians.
The festival has gathered more than 80 Oud players and Oud makers from around the world.
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