Educators from Qatar Music Academy led interactive workshops on traditional Arab instruments at a three-day conference in Madrid organized by Qatar Foundation and the Reina Sofía School of Music. Gulf Times reported that the event brought together academics, musicians, and experts to explore historical connections between Arab and Iberian musical traditions.
Teachers from the academy, part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, gave participants hands-on experience with the oud, nay, and qanun, covering instrument characteristics and playing techniques. The conference opened with a concert by the Doha Ensemble for Classical Maqam and explored three centuries of musical heritage tied to Segah, drawing on manuscript research and early sound recordings.
Taoufik Mirkhan, head of Arab Music at Qatar Music Academy, said the participation allowed the school to highlight Arab musical heritage and its historical roots through research-informed performances. He noted that the Doha Ensemble introduced Arab maqam music to an international audience.
A notable moment came when a Qatar Music Academy alumnus, a qanun player now based in Spain, joined educators in performing during the workshop and closing concert. Mirkhan described Arab music as a living tradition capable of connecting people across cultures, calling music a universal language that opens opportunities for dialogue.
For more information, visit gulf-times.com.