Students from International Centre for Music (ICM), in association with the Russian Speaking Community in Qatar, performed at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q)’s International Ball on 22 March to mark the Qatar-Russia Year of Culture 2018.

Russian speaking choir ‘Kamerton’ and international students from ICM, led by the centre Principal Olga Protopopova, and Organization of Russian Compatriots in Qatar led by Natalia Goryainova presented Russian songs and music at the event for GU-Q students. International Centre for Music is one of the pioneers in Qatar to offer one to one lessons in piano, violin, guitar and vocal along with group classes for ballet, art and theory of music.

GU-Q’s Education City campus offers a four year undergraduate program in international affairs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree. The university regularly hosts events that promote inter-cultural understanding and give students a broader global perspective.

The show included works by the famous composer and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff, and that of Alexsandr Sergeevich Pushkin who is considered as the founder of modern Russian literature. Also featured were traditional Russian songs including the famous ‘Kalinka’ and ‘The Spring Fair’.

Olga Protopopova said:

We are overwhelmed by the response of the students and faculty of Georgetown University in Qatar. We will be holding similar concerts in the future to promote and build awareness of Russian music.’

ICM at Georgetown University in Qatar 3The Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture is part of the landmark ‘Years of Culture’ initiative developed by QM to deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport.

Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture is organised in partnership with leading institutions both in Qatar and Russia, including the Embassy of Qatar in Russia, Embassy of the Russian Federation in Qatar, the Ministry of Culture and Sports in Qatar, as well as the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The year is set to include a variety of events and activities that will promote Qatar’s art and heritage in Russia, while at the same time introducing local audiences to Russia’s vast cultural heritage.

First launched in 2012, the year-long programme involves exhibitions, competitions and events – all designed to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between Qatar and the selected partner countries. Qatar Russia 2018 follows the huge success of previous years of culture including Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Turkey 2015, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-UK 2013, and Qatar-Japan 2012.

Whilst the Year of Culture lasts for one year, the initiative is designed to develop stronger ties between both nations well beyond the Year, fostering the exchange of ideas, sparking debate with other parts of the world, and creating lasting, collaborative relationships between nations, partners and sponsors in the spirit of openness and innovation.