Joseph Tawadros performing at the Museum of Islamic Art on Saturday. PIC: Joelyn Baluyut/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Renowned Australian musician Joseph Tawadros graced the stage at the Museum of Islamic Art on Saturday, captivating a full house with his exceptional talent. This marked his first-ever concert in Qatar, leaving the audience spellbound with his virtuosity on the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument.
Tawadros, the recipient of multiple ARIA awards, Australia’s equivalent of the Grammys, has long been recognised as one of the country’s most accomplished musicians. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Australian Ambassador to Qatar, H E Jonathan Muir, who praised Tawadros for his remarkable achievements.
“Joseph describes himself as an Australian trapped in an Egyptian’s man body, and I think this captures something most Australians can identify with, but not necessarily Egyptian, nor indeed a man but over half of the Australians either born overseas or they have one parent that was, and I think in that we find the ingenious of the Australians, in the vast diversity, we find innovation and great creativity,” the envoy said in his speech.
Expressing his delight, the seven-time ARIA award winner Tawadros commended the magnificent setting of the Museum of Islamic Art and conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to perform in Qatar.
Reflecting on his cultural background, Tawadros said: “I am very much in touch with my Egyptian heritage. I love the music of the oud, but being brought up in Australia allowed me to interact with other cultures and bring a different sound that I probably wouldn’t have had if I had been brought up in the Middle East.” He also honours his Egyptian background by donning a tarboush, an Egyptian hat, at all of his performances.
During the concert, Tawadros showcased his extraordinary talent by performing several of his original compositions, including “Work is Love Made Visible,” “Constellation,” and “Permission to Evaporate,” among others.
As an artist who seeks to inspire and educate, Tawadros also conducted a Masterclass at the Qatar Music Academy yesterday, titled “Musical Encounters”. This session provided aspiring musicians with a unique opportunity to learn from his expertise and gain insights into his creative process.
Ambassador Muir revealed to The Peninsula discussions about the possibility of organising another concert featuring the Australian oud virtuoso alongside the prestigious Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
