A melange of dances and musical performances enthralled hundreds of visitors to Katara as the first ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Festival 2015 began yesterday at the Katara Esplanade.
Setting the mood at the opening show were Singaporean child prodigies Tricia and Nicole, who played a medley of classical pieces. Tricia, 10, on violin and Nicole, 9, on the piano, showcased their flair for music, which they have learned at a tender age. The Doha-based sisters are both under the tutelage of prominent musicians in Qatar.
They were followed by the Kaloob dance troupe, who flew all the way from the Philippines. They impressed the audience with ‘Marriage Dance,’ which traces its origins from the southern region of the country. Garbed in colourful costumes, the 28-member troupe danced along with live music played using indigenous Filipino instruments.
Last night’s opening show also featured stunning cultural performances by professional dance troupes from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Wearing traditional costumes which uniquely depict the cultures of the seven Asean countries, the dance troupes performed a medley of dance items during the two-hour show taking the audience comprising citizens and expatriates in a journey throught their rich cultural heritage.
Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (front row, left) General Manager of Katara, and other officials during the opening of Asean Festival 2015 at Katara yesterday. PICS: Kammutty VP
“This three-day Asean Festival 2015 is part of our multi-track diplomacy to promote the depth and strong relationship between Asean countries and Qatar,” said Indonesian Ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi, who is the Chairman of Asean Committee in Doha, addressing the opening of the festival.
Ambassador Hadi noted that the festival was part of Asean’s economic and socio-cultural mission and was a way to manifest its support for Katara’s mission to be a world-class entertainment centre in the GCC.
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He expressed deep sympathy for Nepal in the wake of the recent earthquake, which has claimed more than 5,500 lives and left thousands injured.
Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed the important role Katara plays in building bridges among cultures through the various activities it hosts throughout the year, including festivals from various countries, such as the ongoing Asean Festival.
Apart from cultural performances, the festival also features handicraft and tourism promotions by the seven Asean-member countries in Doha, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Brunei.
Food stalls offering authentic cuisine from each participating country are available at the festival, which is on until tomorrow. Cultural shows featuring dance troupes and artistes from each country will be held from 6pm till 9.30pm today and tomorrow.
