As part of its National Day celebrations, Qatar National Library (QNL) will host a concert by the Marasi Ensemble on Wednesday, 13 December featuring traditional Qatari songs. QNL is a member of Qatar Foundation (QF).
The Marasi Ensemble was established by Qatar Music Academy (QMA) in 2011 to focus on authentic interpretations of traditional maqam music, a style used in traditional Arabic music. Its compositional and improvisational techniques are unique to non-Western musical cultures. The concert is a demonstration of QNL’s dedication to preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of Qatar and the Arabian Gulf region. Since its opening last month, QNL has hosted several cultural events, including an Arabic creative writing workshop and an Arabic Language Day celebrations.
Dr Nouf Khashman, Outreach and Community Engagement Manager at QNL said they are pleased to welcome the Marasi Ensemble to QNL.
This concert is an excellent opportunity for locals and expats to experience a key component of Arabic heritage, one which showcases the richness of our history.’
The ensemble is made up of faculty members from the QMA Arab music department. The performance will also feature traditional instruments such as the oud, nay, qanun, kaman (violin), and a variety of Middle Eastern instruments. They will play ten songs, including the Qatar national anthem.
QMA Director Dr Abdul Ghafour Al Heeti, said that their participation to QNL’s National Day celebrations is an integral part of showing their solidarity with Qatar.
For those who wish to learn more about the history of Qatar and the region, QNL’s Heritage Library comprises rare and valuable texts and manuscripts related to Arabic and Islamic civilisation. It contains a wide range of Arabic and foreign language books, manuscripts, maps, globes, historical photographs, serials and archival collections, and writings by travelers who explored the Arabian Gulf over the centuries.
QNL’s vision is to be one of the world’s preeminent centers of learning, research and culture, a guardian of the region’s heritage, and an institution that promotes discovery and fosters social engagement.
For more information about QNL, visit their website at qnl.qa.