The fourth edition of the Katara Oud Festival has commenced, organized by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara. The festival, which continues until tomorrow, features the participation of nearly 50 of the world’s most prominent oud researchers, musicians, and master craftsmen.

The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, along with several officials, ambassadors, and a large audience of art, music, and heritage enthusiasts.

H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti expressed his pride in launching the festival, which has become a hallmark of Katara’s cultural events and a global gathering for music lovers and creators from around the world. He emphasized that the festival serves as a platform to celebrate Arab musical heritage while engaging with global creativity.

He reaffirmed Katara’s commitment to providing a stage for talented musicians, stating, “We always strive to promote culture and art in Qatar and the Arab world through such events.” He also noted that this year’s edition is particularly special, as it pays tribute to the legendary composer and musician Mohamed El-Qasabgi, who made unforgettable contributions to Arabic music and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Dr. Al-Sulaiti expressed his delight in hosting 21 oud musicians from around the world, representing different schools and playing styles, making this festival a unique platform for cultural exchange and musical innovation. He further highlighted that the festival is not merely an artistic event but also a cultural and humanitarian message that reflects Katara’s vision of fostering cultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and presenting it in a contemporary manner.

This edition of the festival honors Mohamed El-Qasabgi under the theme “El-Qasabgi: Ahead of His Time,” recognizing his significant contributions to the development of Arabic music.

As part of the festival, the Katara Oud Center hosted a symposium featuring Dr. Ahmed Youssef and Mohamed El-Qasabgi, discussing “Mohamed El-Qasabgi: A Pioneer in Performance and Composition.”

The opening night also included a tribute to Qatari musician Abdulaziz Jassim Al-Haidous, one of Qatar’s most distinguished oud players and a pioneer who helped establish this Eastern musical art form in the local community. Al-Haidous has participated in numerous national and international events, and his playing style is known for blending traditional and modern elements, with a unique approach to oud strings and plectrum techniques.

The festival’s first evening featured performances by several artists, while the overall event will see the participation of 21 international musicians from different countries, offering diverse musical performances representing various schools of oud playing.

Yesterday, the festival continued with performances by renowned oud players and master craftsmen. The program includes musical evenings, an exhibition of oud makers, and specialized intellectual seminars, all in an atmosphere rich with artistry and creativity.

The Katara Opera House hosted a special musical evening featuring an elite group of Arab and international oud musicians alongside promising talents from music academies.