rki.news | Source: Katara
DOHA – Katara: The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) has announced the programme for the 10th Katara European Jazz Festival, scheduled to take place from November 4 to 7, 2026, featuring nine European countries and the Qatar Music Academy.
The participating countries are Italy, Austria, France, Finland, Malta, Hungary, Spain, Germany and Cyprus. The four-day festival will showcase diverse musical traditions and jazz styles, highlighting cultural diversity and strengthening international exchange through music.
The programme was announced during a press conference held at Building 32 at Katara, attended by H.E. Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of the participating countries, representatives of the Qatar Music Academy and members of the media.
Al Sulaiti said the tenth edition marked an important milestone in the festival’s history, reinforcing its role as a platform for cultural and artistic exchange and a bridge connecting people across cultures.
He said the participation of nine European countries alongside the Qatar Music Academy reflected the richness of musical traditions and the strong cultural partnerships between Katara and the participating embassies.
He also thanked the embassies, the academy and other partners for their contributions, highlighting the media’s role in promoting cultural events. He invited music enthusiasts and the public to attend the festival.
Ambassadors Highlight Cultural Exchange
Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives praised Katara’s role in promoting cultural dialogue and understanding. They described the festival as a platform for European artistic cooperation, bringing together different musical traditions in a shared experience.
Their contributions will explore a range of influences, combining jazz with classical, folk and contemporary music, reflecting Europe’s diverse artistic heritage.
Four Days of Diverse Musical Performances
The programme will feature performances blending jazz with Italian cinema heritage, classical and folk traditions, contemporary ethnic music, poetry, pop, French chanson and Latin rhythms. The Finnish contribution will mark 100 years since jazz arrived in Finland.
The festival will open on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by the Qatar Music Academy, combining well-known jazz classics with Arabic and Latin musical influences.
Guest instructors and students will perform pieces blending jazz rhythms with Arabic musical expressions, including the use of the ney and traditional Arabic percussion. The Qatari Youth Choir will also perform two songs.
A total of 40 musicians will take part in the opening performance, celebrating the meeting of Qatari, Arab and international musical traditions.
Katara has invited the public to attend the festival from November 4 to 7 and enjoy a programme celebrating music as a bridge for human connection and intercultural dialogue.
