Doha, November 01 (QNA) - Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the Reina Sofía School of Music, organized the second Conference of the Chair of Arab Studies in Madrid, Spain, bringing together academics, musicians, and experts from around the world to explore the historical connections between Arab and Iberian musical traditions and their influence on contemporary artistic creativity.

Held over three days under the theme 'Shared Histories, Living Traditions: Arab–Iberian Musical Encounters from Historical Sources to Contemporary Creation', and opened with a concert by the Doha Ensemble for Classical Maqam, the conference explored three centuries of musical heritage associated with Segah, drawing on manuscript research and early sound recordings and moving from historical repertoire to contemporary works.

It also featured academic presentations and discussions exploring medieval Iberian repertoires, al-Andalus and Cantigas de Santa María, maritime connections between the Arab world and the Iberian Peninsula, and their role in the exchange of knowledge and cultural and musical influences over the centuries.

Teachers from Qatar Music Academy, part of QF's Pre-University Education, led interactive workshops on the oud, nay, and qanun, offering participants an opportunity to learn about the characteristics of these traditional instruments, explore playing techniques, and experience aspects of Arab musical heritage firsthand. (QNA)