Doha, Qatar 11 June 2024: Seven Qatar Foundation schools participated in the second annual music Summer Serenades concert, highlighting the musical talent of students – including, for the first time, students with autism from Renad Academy – and showcasing their rich cultural diversity.

The concert featured students from Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Al Wakra, Awsaj Academy, and Qatar Music Academy, all of which are part of the Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education.

The evening featured a balanced mix of Arabic and non-Arabic musical pieces. A special highlight was the performance by Arab Takht, a talented band from Qatar Music Academy (QMA), which featured instruments such as the Qanun, Violin, Oud, Nai, and Arabic percussion.

A standout moment of the evening was the collaborative performance of the song “How Sweet It Is to Live in Goodness and Peace”, which brought together over 200 singers from across the seven schools, accompanied by QMA’s Middle Takht.

Taj Shalghin, a 16-year-old Qanun student at QMA, shared her experience, saying: “I felt so alive and thrilled on stage! The energy from the crowd was amazing and everything about the night was enjoyable and incredible. It was truly a special experience for me.”

She reflected on the extensive preparation for the concert, stating: “I spent so much time practicing, ensuring I knew every note perfectly. It was a lot of hard work, but it was completely worth it once I got on stage."

Shalghin also highlighted the invaluable support she received, noting that the teachers and staff were incredibly supportive, and boosted her confidence with their feedback and encouragement, saying: “Being part of the Qatar Foundation community feels like being in a big, encouraging family."

Expressing her enthusiasm for future performances, she said: "I would love to participate in more concerts in the future because it's such a thrilling experience. The energy from the crowd, the joy of performing, and the opportunity to share my passion with others make it all so exciting. Plus, it's a chance to keep growing as a musician and create unforgettable memories."

Speaking on what she learned during her experiences, Shalghin believes she gained a deep understanding of the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and noted that with passion and effort, amazing things can be achieved.

Thajba Amro Al Shahwani, a 10-year-old student at Qatar Academy Al Khor, shared her feelings about the Summer Serenades concert with a mix of emotions and excitement. "I was nervous when I sang my solo part, but as soon as we sang together with the rest of the schools, I felt so happy”, she said.

Seeing her friends and family in the audience also had a profound impact on her. "I felt happy, nervous, and excited as moms and dads were cheering for us. Their support made me feel even more confident on stage.

"I would love to participate in more concerts in the future because I love singing with others,” she continued. "The experience of performing on stage and sharing that joy with my friends and family is something I want to keep doing."

Mireille El Feghaly, a music teacher at Renad Academy, reflected on her students' inaugural stage performance at the Summer Serenades music show. "I am incredibly proud of my Renad Academy students for their debut stage performance,” she said. “They delivered an outstanding percussion piece to music from Charlie Chaplin's films”.

El Feghaly highlighted the immense effort and dedication her students invested in their preparation, saying: "Their hard work and commitment were brilliantly evident as they maintained perfect rhythm throughout the performance. It truly showcased their dedication and passion for music,"

Acknowledging the collective effort behind the event's success, she continued: "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my talented future musicians for their outstanding performance. Their support and encouragement have had a profound impact on our students' musical journey.”