Doha College recently hosted the COBIS Music Festival 2023, in partnership with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

The festival marked an exhilarating return to live events with global participation, attracting over 120 students aged 9 to 17 from nine schools across three continents. Additionally, the composition section of the event saw 27 participating schools.

A showcase of musical prowess

Over the course of three eventful days, the students embraced the opportunity to showcase their musical prowess in various solo and ensemble categories, partake in engaging musical workshops, and discover the vibrant city of Doha. The festival not only provided a platform for students to perform but also allowed them to connect with their peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The competition was adjudicated by renowned, multifaceted music professionals Rob Johnston and Paul Barker. In addition to judging the live event, Johnston also conducted a workshop for all participants, while composer Barker attentively listened to over 70 pieces that were submitted across the four composition categories.

 

The highlight was the exceptional performance of pianist Rancheng Xu from the British School of Bahrain. Only 10 years old, he captivated the audience with a breathtaking rendition of a Frédéric Chopin piece, earning the prestigious title of the overall winner.

Park Lane International School from the Czech Republic emerged as another standout, winning at least three categories – Vocal Lower School Classical, Vocal Lower School Contemporary and the newly launched Battle of the Bands. The school also earned a special commendation.

Hosts Doha College also achieved remarkable success after winning the Instrumental Ensemble category, and earning two runners-up in the Lower and Upper School instrumental categories, two commendations, as well as one of the Rising Star awards.

Doha College Director of Music Steph Gomaa expressed her gratitude to COBIS for fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange through the event, and to The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa for their invaluable support in accommodating the overseas participants.

Winners’ list:

  • Lower School Instrumental Rancheng Xu (British School of Bahrain)
  • Upper School Instrumental Moritz Reininghaus (British School in the Netherlands)
  • Lower School Vocal Classical Simon Mares (Park Lane International School, Czechia)
  • Lower School Vocal Contemporary Emilija Bagdasarjan (Park Lane International School, Czechia)
  • Upper School Vocal Classical Adebola Oyelami (Children’s International School, Nigeria)
  • Upper School Vocal Contemporary Aiyla Iqbal (British International School of Riyadh)
  • Instrumental Ensemble of the Year Doha College (Qatar)
  • Choir of the Year St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi (Nigeria)
  • Battle of the Bands Winner Park Lane International School (Czechia)
  • Young Composer of the Year Sarah Al-Hajj, Dubai English Speaking College (UAE)
  • COBIS Young Musician of the Year 2023 Rancheng Xu (British School of Bahrain)

The COBIS Music Festival 2023 served as a testament to the enduring power of music in bringing people together. The event not only showcased the remarkable talent of young musicians but also fostered meaningful connections and celebrated the spirit of collaboration on an international scale.

To find out more about the event and about music education at Doha College, visit dohacollege.com.

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