Doha, November 09 (QNA) - The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) brought the Qatar, Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture to a close with a concert titled "Sounds of Canada," held at the Qatar National Convention Centre in the presence of HE Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani.

Led by acclaimed conductor Charles Olivieri-Munroe, the concert featured works by Canadian composers Oskar Morawetz, Pierre Mercure, and Jacques Hetu. The evening introduced audiences in Doha to the country's orchestral traditions, highlighting the diverse cultural influences and artistic voices that have shaped Canadian classical music.

In a statement, Conductor Charles Olivieri-Munroe said, “Canada has a remarkably rich and varied musical heritage, shaped by different cultures and experiences. Having grown up and studied in Canada, it was particularly meaningful to share the music of these composers with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and audiences here in Doha. Each brings something distinctive to the programme, and it was a pleasure to introduce their works to new audiences through this cultural exchange.”

For his part, QPO Executive Director Kurt Meister said, “Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra was delighted to welcome Charles Olivieri-Munroe to lead this programme celebrating Canada's musical heritage. Following Sounds of Mexico in September, Sounds of Canada brought our Years of Culture two-concert series to a close offering audiences in Qatar the opportunity to discover works by composers whose music may be less familiar to them. Through our continued collaboration with Years of Culture, we can introduce a wider range of orchestral works while sharing the composers and stories behind them.”

"Sounds of Canada" followed "Sounds of Mexico," which opened the series on 18 September under the direction of Mexican conductor Enrique Arturo Diemecke. Together, the two concerts formed part of the Qatar, Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, a year-long programme connecting the three countries through exhibitions, design, film, sport, heritage, education, and community exchange. (QNA)