• Qatar Foundation supports cultural exchange between Austria and Qatar
• Qatar Foundation continues its contribution to Doha's year as Arab Capital of Culture
• Minister of Culture: Vienna Philharmonic "points to where Qatar's future lies"

His Highness the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned attended last night a captivating performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The orchestra enthralled an audience of more than 200 special guests and members of the public with a spectacular concert at the Ceremonial Court in Education City. 

Qatar Foundation hosted the event as part of a long-term goal to unlock human potential through cultural exchange. The concert is also one of many events, activities and exhibitions that Qatar Foundation has planned for Doha during the city's year as UNESCO's Arab Capital of Culture.

"In this special year that Doha has been chosen as the Arab Capital of Culture, we have been looking to find ways in which Doha can be a meeting point of cultures where we can create a forum for shared knowledge and excellence," said His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdel Aziz Al-Kuwari, Minister for Culture, Heritage and Arts. "The Vienna Philharmonic has a rich cultural and musical legacy that is as popular today as it was at its inception. The values and ambitions of the orchestra reflect the strong traditions of our own past and point to where Qatar's future lies."

Maestro Lorin Maazel, who led the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in its inauguration ceremony at the National Theatre in 2008, returned to Qatar to conduct today's concert at Education City. Last year, Maestro Maazel won the distinguished Fritz Redlich Alumni Award in honor of his commitment to furthering understanding and goodwill between countries and cultures.  He is one of the world's most esteemed and sought-after conductors.

As part of this cultural exchange, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO), a member of Qatar Foundation, will tour Austria at the invitation of the Austrian government. In just two years, QPO has earned a reputation as one of the world's most promising orchestras. It is made up of top musicians from around the globe and its repertoire includes some of the most famous pieces of music of all time.