Qatar Foundation Revives Arabic Maqam With Heart to Heart

In a captivating evening that celebrated the timeless beauty of Arabic music, Qatar Foundation hosted the first edition of its new musical series titled ‘Heart to Heart’. The event marked the beginning of a journey into the world of Arabic maqam — the melodic system that forms the foundation of traditional Arab music. The evening revived the authenticity, purity, and emotional depth of maqam, reaffirming its vital role in Arab cultural identity and musical heritage.

The event took place at the Black Box Theater in Multaqa, located in the Education City Student Center. The setting was unique and intimate, illuminated only by candlelight. There were no screens or electronic amplifiers — only pure sound, presented in its most natural and authentic form. This minimalist environment allowed the audience to connect deeply with the music and its emotional tones.

The opening night of ‘Heart to Heart’ was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. Her attendance reflected Qatar Foundation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Arab cultural heritage through artistic and educational initiatives. The event forms part of Qatar Foundation’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts — a program dedicated to highlighting the literature, music, and arts of Arab and Islamic civilizations.

The evening’s main performance featured the Doha Ensemble for Classical Maqam, which includes talented musicians from Qatar Music Academy’s Arabic Department. The ensemble was led by renowned musician, composer, and researcher Mustafa Said, accompanied by Tawfiq Mirkhan, Ahmed AlKarawi, Ibrahim Kadar, and Hany AlKhatib. Together, they performed a soulful selection of pieces that traced the evolution of Arabic music over eight centuries.

The concert took the audience on a historical and emotional journey through the development of Arabic maqam. The musicians blended classical compositions based on ancient manuscripts with newly composed contemporary works. The result was a harmonious dialogue between tradition and innovation — a musical conversation that celebrated the depth and adaptability of Arabic maqam across generations.

Following the performance, guests were invited to participate in an interactive segment organized in collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative. This session allowed attendees to meet the musicians and engage in discussions about the cultural and scientific foundations of Arabic maqam. The dialogue emphasized BilAraby’s mission to promote Arab identity and linguistic heritage while creating meaningful connections between art, culture, and knowledge.

In addition to the live performance, ‘Heart to Heart’ included several workshops arranged with the support of Qatar Foundation’s Herfah program. These workshops encouraged participants to explore the technical and artistic aspects of maqam. They offered a rare opportunity to understand the structure, rhythm, and craftsmanship that define this traditional musical form, blending learning with appreciation.

The success of the opening event marks the beginning of a continuing series that will feature regular performances celebrating the richness and diversity of Arabic music. ‘Heart to Heart’ will serve as an ongoing platform for artists from across the region to share their interpretations of maqam and its influence on modern and classical music.

Qatar Foundation announced an exciting lineup of upcoming concerts in the ‘Heart to Heart’ series. By the end of November, the stage will host ‘The Veil and The String: A Persian Lament’ by artist Negar Bouban. In January, Dr. Ahmad AlSalhi, a Kuwaiti musician and researcher, will present ‘Sawt On The Coast Of The Arabian Gulf’. In March, Turkish musician Fikret Karakaya will perform ‘Maqamat Of The Ottoman Court’, and in May, Mohammed Antar will conclude the series with ‘A Journey Through Maqam’.

The ‘Heart to Heart’ series represents more than just a collection of concerts — it is a cultural movement dedicated to reviving, preserving, and reimagining Arabic musical traditions. It highlights how Arabic maqam continues to inspire modern artists while connecting audiences with their cultural roots. Through this initiative, Qatar Foundation reinforces its mission of fostering education, creativity, and cultural pride within the Arab world.

By combining artistry, scholarship, and community engagement, ‘Heart to Heart’ encourages deeper understanding of Arabic music’s historical significance. It connects generations and nations through shared appreciation for melody, rhythm, and poetry. The event beautifully demonstrated how music — especially the maqam — serves as a bridge between the heart and the intellect, between the past and the present, and between cultures across the Arab and Islamic world.