(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Emerging local musicians and talents stand to benefit from a new initiative of Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sports, in partnership with FNAC International and Yamaha Music Foundation.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the 28th Doha International Book Fair, HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem al-Ali said that such collaborations aim to support Qatari talents in the national and international levels.
'This collaboration is in accordance with the vision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports towards the development of society and the empowerment of youth, said the minister.
Japanese ambassador Seiichi Otsuka, French embassy's cultural counsellor Olivier Deseez, and Fifty One East chairman and managing director Bader al-Darwish were also present.
The initiative will afford local talents who want to enroll at the Yamaha Music School in Qatar (part of the Yamaha Music Foundation) with part-funded scholarships and trainings to nurture their skills, apart from supporting them in organising book signing and album signing ceremonies, art fairs and performances.
The Yamaha Music School in Qatar, launched at Fifty One East at Lagoona Mall more than six years ago, has become 'a full-fledged learning experience that engages not only children in class but also encourages interaction with parents as well.
As part of the collaboration, the music school will offer monthly recitals and concerts, and a major concert every year with internationally renowned and Yamaha-affiliated artistes, sponsored by the Minister of Culture and Sports.
Qatari musicians will also have the opportunity to join these popular artistes in a live performance at the Qatar National Theatre while some artistes can take part in international events organised by Yamaha, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
'Such initiatives that support emerging Qatari talents are part of our business's DNA. It is an ethos instilled into the heart of our company's legacy and history, to contribute to society and engage with the local community, al-Darwish said.
Otsuka said Yamaha is a well-established brand, citing that many people in the Gulf make use of Yamaha musical instruments as part of their musical education. 'The users in Qatar have a sense of intimacy with such kind of musical instruments, he stressed.
The envoy noted that this newly-signed agreement serves as one of the benchmarks for promoting cultural ties between Qatar and Japan, aimed at further strengthening the two countries bilateral relations.
Deseez said FNAC, created in the 1970s, plays 'a very important cultural role in the French society, organising concerts, literature and theatre, among others, besides being a trustworthy cultural partner for any venture.
'We were very happy when we heard about this agreement, that this role, which is very well-known in France, is also being recognised and acknowledged by the Ministry of Culture and Sports here, he added.
The French embassy has been closely collaborating with FNAC in organising various events in the country, including the recently held Francophone Week in Qatar and the European Jazz Festival.
FNAC, a leading international French retailer for cultural, leisure and technological products, will dedicate a space in its stores at Lagoona Mall and Doha Festival City to showcase and sell the works of local Qatari artists.
Since entering the Qatar market in 2015, FNAC has become a cultural and entertainment hub hosting many international and local artistes.
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