(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Italian embassy in Doha presented on Sunday“Maqam. Doha–Naples Round Trip” at the Katara Drama Theater, a landmark celebration of musical exchange and shared Mediterranean heritage.

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The performance, in partnership with the Katara Cultural Village and the Music Affairs Centre, honoured the rich musical legacy of the city of Naples and its enduring dialogue with Arab culture, coinciding with the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of Naples.

Distinguished Arab and Neapolitan musicians came together to explore the influence of the maqam - the foundation of Arabic melody - on Southern Italian music, retracing centuries-old cultural routes across the Mediterranean.

Inspired by the legendary musician Ziryab, whose historic journey from Iraq to Andalusia transformed the evolution of music in the region, the performance embodied a symbolic“round trip” between Doha and Naples.

The performance was conceived and directed by the screenwriter Egale Cerroni, and featured acclaimed artist Nando Citarella and I Tamburi del Vesuvio, together with distinguished Arab musicians in a unique artistic collaboration.

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The performance was conceived and directed by the screenwriter Egale Cerroni, and featured acclaimed artist Nando Citarella and I Tamburi del Vesuvio, together with distinguished Arab musicians in a unique artistic collaboration.

In a press statement, Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi said:“The event has been a true testament to the power of music as a bridge between worlds, reaffirming the strength of cultural relations between Qatar and Italy”.

The performace was also attended by Katara general manager HE Prof Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, and Ministry of Culture's Music Affairs Centre head Khalid Hassan al-Salem, among other guests.

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