The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) would try introducing live concert streaming through television and radio stations to continue reaching out to audiences virtually amid the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, executive director Kurt Meister has said.
“We believe virtual performances has blossomed QPO’s reputation. This has opened new doors to reach out to many more,” he told Gulf Times.
During concerts, Meister noted that only the audience present in the hall could enjoy the concert.
Now, through virtual tools, he said everybody can experience these concerts through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and the QPO website.
“We have much more audience than before.”
Every week, QPO presents a virtual performance segment known as “Concert in Demand” in which five different categorised compositions are played throughout the week, Meister said.
“Questions from five different categories are displayed online weekly, which is open for all. The highest ranked composition is posted for the audience to enjoy. Compositions are performed by QPO musicians over the past years.” Meister added that holding virtual performances such as “work from home” project activities that QPO has adapted to further widen its reach has not been easy.
“Each musician has to practise at home, which may cause unpleasant noise pollution for neighbours as practising occasionally take hours,” he said.
“To practise at home, an adjustment is required to which musicians have to find a solution on how to continue practising as well as take care of their neighbourhood,” Meister said, stressing that these practices are essential for the musicians to be ready for the upcoming projects.
Last month, before Ramadan started, community members were invited to take part in singing/performing some pieces from their respective homes, along with QPO musicians performing on their balconies.
These unique shows, which included “Ode To Joy” Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven, form part of QPO’s Stay At Home Symphony series aimed at “spreading the message of togetherness and love during these challenging times.”
The QPO executive director also underlined the importance of music – the vital role it plays – in the society particularly in these difficult times.
“Music is perhaps the most universal of the performing arts and is found in every society. Music is hope, enlightens positivity and illuminates light in a dark tunnel. Music brings the world together and is for everyone,” he said.
“Music has no borders. It is a mechanism for humans to connect with one another. It encourages us to share parts of ourselves through the sounds that are strung together,” Meister said.
About adapting to the “new normal” in future performances, he said once QPO goes live, precautionary measures for the safety of all attending guests will be implemented such as proper sitting arrangements in the hall and adhering to social distancing practices.
“We’ve to check how many musicians are allowed on stage. There are different stages in Doha, such as in Katara – the Cultural Village and the Qatar National Convention Centre."
He also lauded the efforts of the Qatar government in the fight against Covid-19, as well as in taking care of people who have been affected by the pandemic.
“Qatar has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in order to ensure the safety of all its residents. I am happy to be in this country. The musicians feel safe,” Meister stressed.
During concerts, Meister noted that only the audience present in the hall could enjoy the concert.
Now, through virtual tools, he said everybody can experience these concerts through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and the QPO website.
“We have much more audience than before.”
Every week, QPO presents a virtual performance segment known as “Concert in Demand” in which five different categorised compositions are played throughout the week, Meister said.
“Questions from five different categories are displayed online weekly, which is open for all. The highest ranked composition is posted for the audience to enjoy. Compositions are performed by QPO musicians over the past years.” Meister added that holding virtual performances such as “work from home” project activities that QPO has adapted to further widen its reach has not been easy.
“Each musician has to practise at home, which may cause unpleasant noise pollution for neighbours as practising occasionally take hours,” he said.
“To practise at home, an adjustment is required to which musicians have to find a solution on how to continue practising as well as take care of their neighbourhood,” Meister said, stressing that these practices are essential for the musicians to be ready for the upcoming projects.
Last month, before Ramadan started, community members were invited to take part in singing/performing some pieces from their respective homes, along with QPO musicians performing on their balconies.
These unique shows, which included “Ode To Joy” Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven, form part of QPO’s Stay At Home Symphony series aimed at “spreading the message of togetherness and love during these challenging times.”
The QPO executive director also underlined the importance of music – the vital role it plays – in the society particularly in these difficult times.
“Music is perhaps the most universal of the performing arts and is found in every society. Music is hope, enlightens positivity and illuminates light in a dark tunnel. Music brings the world together and is for everyone,” he said.
“Music has no borders. It is a mechanism for humans to connect with one another. It encourages us to share parts of ourselves through the sounds that are strung together,” Meister said.
About adapting to the “new normal” in future performances, he said once QPO goes live, precautionary measures for the safety of all attending guests will be implemented such as proper sitting arrangements in the hall and adhering to social distancing practices.
“We’ve to check how many musicians are allowed on stage. There are different stages in Doha, such as in Katara – the Cultural Village and the Qatar National Convention Centre."
He also lauded the efforts of the Qatar government in the fight against Covid-19, as well as in taking care of people who have been affected by the pandemic.
“Qatar has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in order to ensure the safety of all its residents. I am happy to be in this country. The musicians feel safe,” Meister stressed.
