The Qatar Concert Choir will hold its 10th anniversary celebrations at a concert of Baroque masterpieces tomorrow (November 5) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
In tandem with its favorite partners, Doha Baroque Ensemble, and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, the Qatar Concerthe Choir will sing works by Bach, Handel and Rheinberger, with the Ensemble also performing one of Corelli’s great Concerto Grossi.
“It is such a joy to be able to perform for an audience once more,” said Conductor, Giovanni Pasini. “This choir is formed of members who are absolutely passionate about singing choral music and we are thrilled to be able to come together and rehearse after such a long time, and to be able to present a concert of works that are wonderful both to sing and to hear.”
Renowned for its breadth of style and repertoire, Qatar Concert Choir began in 2011 as an ad hoc group of amateurs who simply wanted to sing. Since Pasini’s appointment in 2014, it has developed and flourished and today it is the pre-eminent ensemble of its type, not only in Qatar but throughout the Gulf region, collaborating regularly with partners including the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and leading soloists from around the world.
A truly international group, choristers hail from 32 nations and bring their talent and dedication to works ranging from classical to pop, musicals, regional music and even videogame soundtracks. Inspired by Qatar and the Middle East region, the choir has embraced the Arabic tradition that Pasini has introduced to some of the arrangements.
“We are all looking forward to 2022,” said Pasini, “and to performing and recording regularly again. I have big plans, including recording an album of Arabic choral music, in the lead-up to 2023. That’s when Doha will host the 13th World Symposium on Choral Music.”
It was Pasini who led the Qatar’s winning bid to hold the Symposium, which brings together Choirs from all over the world. Although it was scheduled to take place in New Zealand in 2020, because of the pandemic the Doha event will be the first such Symposium for six years, promising to bring thrilling music to both audiences and participants alike.
