Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performing at UN

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) will perform for the first time in New York, as part of a special cultural event to empower women across the world. The event on Wednesday will be hosted by Nassir Abdul Aziz Al Nasser, the Qatar-born President of the United Nations General Assembly, in the General Assembly Hall. “The participation of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is very poignant in showing that music can serve as a bridge of harmony that can be used to unite diverse cultures towards this great cause to help women and girls,” Al Nasser said as he stressed the essential role of music and culture in bringing people together to realise a shared vision. Haya Bint Khalifa Al Nasser, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Director of Communication, will deliver a speech to highlight the significant role that the Foundation has taken to support women and promote culture. Article continues below “Qatar Foundation seeks to unlock human potential and to strengthen the role of culture in all societies of the world through various channels, including music which is considered to be a universal language that creates dialogue between different cultures,” she said ahead of the performance. “Qatar Foundation’s participation through the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is a clear example of the Foundation’s desire to build bridges of cultural communication between Qatar and other countries around the world.” The QPO, a QF member, has embraced both western and Arabic music in its performances and has served as a cross-cultural bridge to unite people of all nations and highlight commonalities through music. The evening function will help promote the role of UN Women and boost support for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, QF said in a statement. The trust fund, managed by UN Women, hopes to achieve the organisation’s overall mission by providing grants to local initiatives around the world so as to tackle and eliminate increasing violence against women and girls. This year, the fund is focusing its efforts on aiding women in conflict, post-conflict and transitional settings. With an estimated six out of 10 women worldwide having experienced physical or sexual violence, Al Nasser appealed for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address this pressing problem. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Executive Director of UN Women, Madame Michelle Bachelet, are expected to give speeches. In addition, high profile UN Goodwill Ambassadors, Mira Sorvino and Nicole Kidman, will lend their support by taking part in the event.