Doha: As part of its 'Heart to Heart' series, Qatar Foundation (QF) will host a musical evening titled 'The Arab Prince of Violin: 60 Years After Sammi Shawwa' on January 31. The event will be led by Kuwaiti musician and researcher Dr. Ahmed Al Salhi, alongside musician, composer, researcher, and oud player Dr. Mustafa Said, founder of the Asil Ensemble, and will feature Bilal Bitar, a qanun player specializing in the authentic traditions of the Arabic maqam.

According to Qatar News Agency, the event will take place at the Black Box Theatre in Multaqa (Education City Student Center), celebrating the legacy of Sammi Shawwa, a pivotal figure in Arab music. Shawwa was renowned for his mastery of the Arabic maqam, navigating its many dialects from the Atlantic to the Gulf, and integrating maqam traditions from non-Arab musical cultures.

The evening will also feature a workshop organized by QF's Herfah program, titled 'Outdoor Structure Geometry.' Participants in the workshop will engage in building geometric structures to enhance their understanding of the forms, spaces, and proportions inherent to Islamic art and architecture.

Following the musical performance, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion session with the musicians, facilitated by QF's BilAraby initiative.

The 'Heart to Heart' series will continue to showcase authentic musical maqam in the coming months, featuring 'Maqamat of the Ottoman Court with Fikret Karakaya' in March, and 'A Journey Through Maqam with Mohammed Antar' in April.