Qatar Foundation (QF) is introducing a new platform for live musical performances designed to offer an authentic and immersive listening experience. The initiative, under QF’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts, focuses on the cultural heritage and arts of Arab Islamic civilisations. The series, titled Heart to Heart, will showcase both ancient and contemporary maqam classical music, a deeply rooted Arabic musical tradition. All performances will be free from the use of screens, amplifiers, and mobile phones, providing an unmediated musical encounter for audiences.
The Heart to Heart series is curated by Mustafa Said, a renowned musician, composer, researcher, and oud player, and the founder of the Asil Ensemble. Said, who believes in the profound connection between music, memory, and identity, will be the opening performer on November 1 at the Black Box Theatre in Multaqa, starting at 7pm. His performances embody the belief that live music, in its purest form, offers the most honest dialogue between the performer and the audience, fostering a “heart to heart” connection.
Said explained that Heart to Heart aims to restore clarity in communication through the senses, particularly hearing. The series will take listeners on a journey spanning over eight centuries of maqam, from its ancient roots to modern interpretations and forward into the future. He emphasised that listening to natural, unaltered sound is a powerful motivator for contemplation, allowing for a deeper connection to the essence of the universe.
The opening performance will feature new compositions, inspired by extensive research into Arabic melodic manuscripts. These works will be performed by Said alongside a group of talented musicians, including Tawfiq Mirkhan, Ahmed al-Kouri, Ibrahim Kadr, and Hani al-Khatib – all faculty members at QF’s Qatar Music Academy. The ensemble, known as the Doha Ensemble for Classical Maqam, will be joined by Ali Hout from the Asil Ensemble. The event will also include a discussion session with the musicians, organised in partnership with QF’s BilAraby initiative, providing the audience an opportunity to engage in conversation about the music and its cultural significance.
Future Heart to Heart performances will continue to celebrate maqam with a variety of artists who have dedicated their careers to the art form. Upcoming editions include Women and the Oud by Negar Bouban in late November, Gulf Sound Traditions by Dr Ahmed al-Salhi in January, Ottoman Maqam by Fikret Karakaya in March, and With the Ney by Mohammad Antar in May. These performances will also feature workshops, organised in cooperation with QF’s Herfah programme, where music enthusiasts can participate in sessions focusing on arts and heritage prior to the concerts.
The Heart to Heart series promises to be a profound exploration of maqam music, highlighting its historical and contemporary importance in Arab civilisation. Through these performances, Said and his collaborators seek to ensure that maqam continues to hold its rightful place in the global cultural landscape.
For more about the cultural scene in Qatar, check out our article on 450 artists from 70 countries at the Qatar International Arts Festival.
