Representatives of Qatar Foundation and Reina Sofía School of Music during the launch event in Madrid.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the Reina Sofía School of Music in Spain, has announced the launch of the Chair of Arab Studies – an initiative aimed at deepening cultural and musical ties between the Arab world and Spain.
The Chair of Arab Studies is designed to promote the study and appreciation of Arab music and culture through academic and artistic exchange. It is part of a 10-year partnership between Qatar Foundation (QF) and the Reina Sofía School of Music, which has already seen the hosting of masterclasses by Reina Sofía professors at QF’s Qatar Music Academy (QMA) in Doha, and the participation of QMA students in the Spanish music school’s Young Artists Summer Camp.
“Our collaboration stands on the belief that when cultures meet, just as they once did in Al-Andalus, music becomes a bridge,” said Director of QMA, Zlatan Fazlić.
“Through this partnership, we are opening new pathways for young musicians, students and scholars to create, connect, and carry forward a heritage that belongs to us all.”
The launch event took place on November 21 and 22 at the school in Madrid, featuring workshops, lectures, roundtables, and a culminating concert at the Sony Auditorium, marking a new chapter in international music education.
Dean of Reina Sofía School of Music, Dr. Òscar Colomina i Bosch said: “Music has always been a bridge between cultures – a universal language that allows us to understand, respect, and celebrate difference. Through the Chair of Arab Studies, we aim to deepen this dialogue, building a shared space where learning, creativity, and cultural understanding can flourish.”
Spain and the Arab world share a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. The Chair of Arab Studies celebrates this heritage while forging new pathways for collaboration, with QF’s inclusion in the school’s prestigious international circle further strengthening this global network.
The partnership also supports career development, with alumni from Reina Sofía now performing in the QF-founded Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and teaching at QMA. All students at Reina Sofía benefit from fully funded tuition scholarships, ensuring that talent and passion remain the only criteria for admission.
Central to the partnership is the development of a new, state-of-the-art building for the Reina Sofía School of Music.
