WATCH: Prominent People in Qatar - Dana Al Fardan
Featured next, in our new series that shines a spotlight on Qatar’s most prominent personalities, is the versatile Qatari artist, Dana Al Fardan.
The only female contemporary composer in the country, Al Fardan draws inspiration for her songwriting and symphonic works from her rich cultural heritage.
An international sensation, Al Fardan’s work combines her love of world music with hints of Arab contemporary classical tunes.
The self-taught musician launched her first album, Paint, 5 years ago at age 28 and rose to fame as part of several local and international projects.
Over 2 million people hear her music every month as she is the Official Composer for Qatar Airways and her music is played in each flight, according to Interlude.
The official theme music for Qatar’s Hamad International Airport was Al Fardan’s brainchild. The Beginning, appears on the extraordinary artist’s 2017 album Sandstorm.
Her intensely patriotic song “One Nation – Al Yaqeen” introduced when the blockade was imposed on Qatar gathered a number of performers on Instagram to produce a video that showcased both the country and the musicians of the country.
Al Fardan has been nurturing the creative young talents of Qatar to support the nation’s rising music industry.
She works very closely with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra who regularly perform her music in Doha.
Last year, Al Fardan’s internationally acclaimed musical Broken Wings, premiered at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in West End, London with packed audiences in all of its shows.
Among her latest works is the composition of the official song for the Lusail Stadium, which will host the opening and closing matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Her composition Desert Rose, is also the theme song for the National Museum of Qatar, which will open its doors to the public this Thursday.
Committed to highlight her homeland’s culture through her music, Al Fardan says, “The state has invested a lot in culture, education and in human capital to give nationals the opportunity and resoruces to expand their cultural understanding and stand out at a global level. As an artist, my job is to show this to the world.”
Have you heard Dana Al Fardan’s music? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
--
Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.
Instagram - @qatarliving
Twitter - @qatarliving
Facebook - Qatar Living
