The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra after performing the 'Serenades for Strings' at Katara Opera House, yesterday.
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) conducted yesterday its first concert in 2022 themed “Serenades for Strings” with music from Antonín Dvorák and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The two concerts were at full house at Katara Opera House.
QPO Executive Director Kurt Meister told The Peninsula that a concert in January celebrating the New Year was supposed to be held but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the concert, he said: “It is nice to be together again, I think the audience expects a live music and not from the TV.”
He also revealed that they will be conducting concerts on February 21 and 27 where QPO will be playing the most famous pieces from Beethoven such as the Eroica symphony.Commenting on the current situation of COVID-19 cases in the county as the government loosens the restrictions, he said: “I would be happy if we can go back normally and the full orchestra on stage, and the audience will like it with big sound.”
To date, 45 musicians are only allowed to be on stage. The “Serenades for Strings” concert was participated by 26 musicians. They performed Dvorák’s Serenade for Strings in E Major which is one of his most popular orchestral works, and was composed in just two weeks in May of 1875. Meanwhile, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C Major was inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and was completed in 1880.
Concertmaster and Conductor Joo Young Oh said that being getting back on stage again is great. “It is a great feeling to be on stage again with my colleagues and as many of us celebrate Lunar New Year, timing cannot be any better. We are all very flattered to hear that these concerts are sold out and we wish to continuously receive support from our thankful audiences,” he said.
On having a full orchestra very soon as Qatar is easing restrictions, he said: “We are expecting to gradually take positions into a full-orchestra setting very soon with guest conductors leading us with great symphonic works in upcoming. I truly believe situations will ease up more soon so that we all can somewhat get back to regular concert schedules one day. I cannot say we will be getting back to exactly how things were pre-COVID-19, but definitely hoping to present more performances many people are counting on.”
