Cellist and conductor Chang Han-na was appointed the music director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra for 2013, the orchestra said Monday.

Chang will be the first female to lead the Arab orchestra.

One of the only two fully professional orchestras in the Gulf alongside Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, QPO consists of young musicians in their 30s.

According to Doha News, Chang will officially assume the role of director in September 2013. She will conduct more than 15 concerts a year till 2015 when her term expires.

“The Qatar Philharmonic is not only an orchestra for Qatar. With players from 30 different countries, it’s an orchestra of the world and for the world. We’re fortunate that Qatar is investing in culture. With our unique combination of personal background, diversity, and passionate unity in music, it will become one of the most relevant orchestras in the world. This is my vision,” Chang told the Qatari media.

Chang was dubbed a child prodigy cellist with her surprise winning of both First Prize and Contemporary Music Prize at the Rostropovich International Cello Competition in 1994 at the age of 12 after having played the musical instrument for six years.

Chang began her career as a conductorin 2007.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)