Qatar Philharmonic makes resonant Korea debut with cultural fusion

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra made its long-anticipated Korean debut over the weekend with two performances in Goyang and Seoul, meeting Korean audiences for the first time since its founding in 2008.

On Sunday evening, the orchestra -- comprising 96 musicians from more than 30 countries -- took the stage at the National Theater of Korea’s Haeoreum Grand Theater. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Korea, the concert was attended by notable guests including acting President Han Duck-soo, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Foreign Minister Park Jin and Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young.

The concert, which highlighted the richness that emerges when diverse musical heritages and talent converge on one stage, opened with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring pianist Park Jae-hong, the first prize winner of the 2021 Busoni Piano Competition and the recipient of four additional awards. Park delivered an absorbing and commanding performance, captivating the audience with his nuanced and powerful interpretation of the Romantic masterpiece.

Following the intermission, the orchestra returned to present Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," offering a sweeping conclusion to the main program.

“This program features iconic works from the classical repertoire -- pieces we believe the audience will not only recognize but truly enjoy,” said conductor Wilson Ng. “It’s a celebration, and we wanted the music to reflect that spirit.”

Ng, a figure familiar to Korean audiences, previously served as the associate conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra from 2019 to 2022.

The evening concluded with a surprise encore that introduced the audience to the distinctive musical voice of Qatar. The orchestra performed “Spirit of Maqam” by Nasser Sahim, the QPO’s deputy executive director.

A leading Qatari composer, Sahim is known for merging traditional Arab musical modes with modern orchestration, creating contemporary works rooted in heritage.

“Qatari music is steeped in lyrical storytelling and rich rhythmic patterns,” Sahim said in a recent email interview. “In 'Spirit of Maqam,' I explore traditional modes with modern orchestration to reflect the dynamic nature of our culture. It captures emotional nuance through textures that may be unfamiliar, yet universally moving.”

Ng, who conducted the program, also shared his perspective on the unique qualities of Middle Eastern music. “Like traditional Asian music, Middle Eastern music often uses different tonal systems, such as maqam, rather than Western scales. These elements give it a unique flavor -- just as the pentatonic scale does in Asian traditions. It’s distinct and immediately recognizable, and I hope the audience finds it just as fascinating as I do.”

Saturday’s performance in Goyang offered even more insight into the QPO’s roots, featuring four works by contemporary Middle Eastern composers. Among them were “Borealis” and “Polaris” by Dana Al Fardan, a prominent Qatari composer and songwriter, both drawn from her album "Tempest." These pieces, infused with cinematic textures and emotional intensity, added a modern voice to the orchestra’s program.

Commenting on the repertoire, Sahim emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in programming. “The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra serves as a cultural bridge, weaving Qatari identity into the global music scene. Our goal is not only to perform but to connect -- to let music carry the essence of our heritage to new audiences. In this context, Korea, with its deep artistic roots and openness to musical dialogue, becomes a perfect stage for this mission,” he remarked.

Ng noted that “the orchestra is in a unique position geographically and artistically to serve as a bridge between cultures. I wish more people and institutions embraced this role, especially in a time when we need more bridges than walls. I'm proud to be part of that mission through music.”

Sahim also expressed his hope for future cooperation between the two countries. “This concert can be a foundation for deeper collaboration -- from composer residencies and educational programs to joint productions,” he said. “Music has no borders, and I believe both our nations have so much to offer each other artistically. I hope this exchange sparks more creative dialogue between Qatari and Korean artists in the years ahead.”

Sunday’s event presented by the Goyang Cultural Foundation and the QPO and was supported by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Korea, Qatar Airways and Herald Media Group.