Qatar Foundation (QF) is collaborating with a world-renowned music school in a boost for young performers.

An agreement between QF and the Reina Sofía School of Music in Spain will include masterclasses and student exchanges, while pathways for graduates of Qatar Music Academy (QMA) – a member of QF – to join the higher education programmes offered by the Madrid-based school are being explored, together with use of its learning technology through virtual reality in QF’s schools.

Reflecting the importance of promoting and expanding knowledge of Arab music and reinforcing the interconnectedness of Arab and Islamic culture on the one hand, and Spanish culture on the other, the agreement will also lead to the establishment of a Chair of Arabic and Eastern Music at the Spanish school, in conjunction with QMA. QF will support the expansion of the school and be granted naming rights for its building in the Spanish capital. Announcing the agreement in Madrid, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, said: “Music has the capacity to open windows to the world, and enhance pathways to knowledge – broadening our perspectives, and building bridges between cultures.

“At Qatar Foundation, we invest in, promote, provide access to, and educate our youth about music – and the wider world of arts – because it inspires creativity, curiosity and understanding. The opportunities we offer for increasing the knowledge of, engagement with, and involvement in music among Qatar’s youth, and its wider community, will be significantly enhanced through this collaboration with the Reina Sofía School of Music.

“We are delighted to be working with an institution whose reputation for nurturing musical talent, artistic innovation and making the arts accessible to all is known around the world.”

Founded in 1991, the Reina Sofía School of Music supports the artistic and personal development of young musicians, collaborating with schools and institutions around the world with the goal of improving musical education on a global scale. With 150 students of more than 30 nationalities and 850 alumni, it is also committed to bringing music closer to society, through organising hundreds of free public concerts each year and offering social impact programmes in a range of fields.

The school also offers an entrepreneurship and social innovation programme, where students build their critical and creative skills through developing social, artistic, technological and environmental innovation projects. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.QF.ORG.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.