Composer Dana Al Fardan shares how she became one of Qatar’s pioneering orchestral composers in a country that had no symphony orchestra, no conservatory, and no established path for women in music. She explains how a childhood encounter with Mahler’s work shaped her creative identity, how motherhood sparked her first orchestral composition, and how imagination played a crucial role in building Qatar’s emerging musical landscape. This talk explores the power of sound, cultural transformation, and the ability of music to give voice to personal and national stories — asking viewers to consider how imagination can shape their own futures. Dana Al Fardan is a leading Qatari composer, songwriter, and symphonic artist whose work seamlessly bridges the richness of Arab heritage with the sophistication of Western contemporary classical music. As Qatar’s first female contemporary composer to achieve international recognition, she has established herself as a cultural ambassador, using music as a medium to connect audiences across cultures.Her critically acclaimed musicals Broken Wings (West End, 2018) and Rumi: The Musical (London Coliseum, 2021) introduced Middle Eastern narratives to global theatre audiences, earning praise for their originality and depth. Dana's versatility extends to film scoring—with credits including Orca and The Necromancer—as well as cross-genre collaborations with international artists.
Her latest orchestral album, Tempest, draws inspiration from Qatar’s maritime legacy, particularly the nation’s pearl-diving tradition. Premiered to a sold-out audience at the Katara Opera House with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Tempest reimagines cultural history through a contemporary orchestral lens, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to both heritage and innovation.Now available on global streaming platforms, Dana Al Fardan’s work continues to resonate worldwide. Her compositions stand as a testament to the power of music to preserve cultural identity while engaging in meaningful dialogue with the modern world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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