In a landmark intercultural performance titled “The Song of the Two Seas”, celebrated Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan brought the essence of Qatari musical heritage to the prestigious Teatro Lirico di Cagliari in Italy. Presented on New Year’s Eve 2025, the concert marked a defining artistic exchange between Qatar and Sardinia, uniting two coastal cultures shaped by the sea.
A Cultural Bridge Between Qatar and Sardinia
Under the direction of renowned maestro Giovanni Pasini, the evening introduced audiences to a sophisticated 75-minute programme fusing orchestral mastery with Qatari traditional motifs. The performance brought together:
- Violinist Anna Tifu
- Saxophonist Gavino Murgia
- Singer Alice Marras
- A Fijiri percussion ensemble from Qatar
- The Sardinia Opera Orchestra and Choir
Al Fardan’s selections—including works from Tempest, Nadir, and the lullaby “Andimironnai”—were woven seamlessly with pieces by Glinka and Ezio Bosso. Maestro Pasini also premiered a new choral arrangement of Tempest, dedicated to the opera choir.
The Sounding Stones: A Sonic Signature
A highlight of the night was the integration of the legendary Sounding Stones by the late Sardinian sculptor Pinuccio Sciola. Played live by Maria Sciola and Andrea Granitzio, the stones emitted ancient, metallic resonances that merged naturally with Al Fardan’s contemporary orchestration. Al Fardan described this experience as “absorbing the frequency of the land,” blending Qatari rhythms with Sardinia’s geological soundscape.
A Night of Prestigious Attendance
The concert drew significant distinguished guests, including:
- Mrs Alessandra Todde, President of the Region of Sardinia
- Mr Massimo Zedda, Mayor of Cagliari
- Mr. Andrea Cigni, Sovrintendente, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari
- Mr Lorenzo del Pecchia, Artistic Secretary
Their presence underscored the growing cultural and diplomatic bridge between Qatar and Sardinia.
Dana Al Fardan: Expanding Qatari Music to Global Stages
As the first female Qatari composer to integrate traditional folk elements—especially Fijiri, the music of Qatari pearl divers—into orchestral compositions, Al Fardan continues to shape a distinctive artistic voice.
Her cinematic album Tempest, recorded with over 100 musicians, explores global seafaring narratives threaded through Qatari heritage, reinforcing the universality of human stories shaped by the sea.
Her international successes include:
- Broken Wings (West End)
- Rumi: The Musical (London Coliseum & Doha debut)
A Prelude to Deeper Cultural Collaboration
Reflecting on the night, Al Fardan noted that “shared human values and a shared appreciation for the arts are laying the foundations for broader cultural integration.” The performance served not only as a celebration of artistic exchange but as a forward-looking signal for future collaborations across tourism, enterprise, and the creative industries between Sardinia and Qatar.
