The Doha Cultural Festival was opened Wednesday at Sheraton Doha Hotel, with an operetta entitled Qatar and Glory which was performed by a chorus of Qatari and Gulf artistes.
The operetta depicts Qatar’s drive of development towards progress, prosperity and the struggle of the Qatari people during the stage that preceded the discovery of oil in the country, according to Qatar News Agency.
The distinguished work which was a combination of the operetta and drama described in words the historical stages which the Qatari people passed through and reflected the country’s cultural development until the discovery of oil and the stability of the society. It also described the contemporary stage with all its political, economic and social aspects and the great development achieved in all walks of life.
The operetta, written by poet Ahmed al Dossari, mirrored the agony of parting between men who leave for sea in search of pearls and their families on shore and pleasure of reunion and collection of pearls. In a combined effort al Dossari and composer Mohammed al Marzouqi recalled this atmosphere in a portrait personifying the sense of pride and struggle.
The opening ceremony was sponsored by Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Emir of Qatar. The ceremony was attended by the Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Khalifa al Thani, a number of ministers, ranking officials and guests.
Speaking on the occasion the chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Saud bin Ali bin Mohamed al Thani, said that the festival stemmed from Qatar’s sense of pride in Arab and Islamic culture, openness to contemporary developments and cultures of other countries.
The event will include various cultural, artistic and heritage activities from Qatar and other Arab countries – Albawaba.com
