Sounds of Canada concludes Years of Culture concert series in Doha

Doha, Qatar welcomed the conclusion of the Year of Culture concert series with Sounds of Canada, a two-concert celebration of Canada's musical heritage. The finale took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, led by conductor Charles Olivieri-Munroe, and featured works by renowned Canadian composers Oskar Morawetz, Pierre Mercure, and Jacques Hétu.

Chairperson of Years of Culture, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was present for the final performance. Olivieri-Munroe, whose background includes growing up and studying in Canada, expressed his appreciation for sharing Canada's musical heritage with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and Doha audiences. Each composer brought a unique contribution to the program, introducing new listeners to distinctive Canadian orchestral voices.

Kurt Meister, Executive Director of QPO, highlighted the program's role in Qatar's cultural exchange initiative. Following Sounds of Mexico in September, this final concert series offered audiences the chance to discover lesser-known works by Canadian composers. The program included Oskar Morawetz's Carnival Overture, Morawetz's Symphony No. 2, Pierre Mercure's Kaleidoscope, and Jacques Hétu's On the Banks of the Saint-Maurice River, Op. 78.