The Qatar Philharmonic

The Qatar Philharmonic was established in 2008, the first western symphony orchestra in a Gulf state, and just one of a number of institutions intended to demonstrate the country's cultural ambitions.

Razia Iqbal visits Katara, the official cultural village of Doha, and talks to members of the orchestra, many of whom have been imported from Europe.

And she interviews the country's 'culture queen', Sheikha Mayassa Al-Thani, daughter of the Emir of Qatar.

Producers: Francesca Panetta & Lucy Greenwell

A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2012.

Razia Iqbal tells the story of the first western symphony orchestra in the Gulf.

Episodes

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