The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, in collaboration with Markhiya Gallery and the Fire Station, will host Philharmonic at the Library: An Ode to Women’s Creativity Around the World on April 24, 2025, at Qatar National Library.
The event is a tribute to the contributions of women in the arts, both locally and globally, and will feature a blend of music and dialogue. Distinguished female artists and musicians will share their stories. They will reflect on the challenges they’ve faced and the inspiration behind their work. They will also encourage greater visibility for women in the creative industry.
Female musicians from the orchestra will perform chamber music composed by women from various time periods and regions, highlighting the role of women in music history.
Participating artists include Hind Al Obaidli, a contemporary painter known for her portrayals of the human body submerged in water. Her work explores the tension between realism and abstraction. With a background in architecture from Oxford Brookes University, her work often blends structural precision with emotional expression.
Also featured is Lina Alaali, a Qatari artist whose work reflects the experiences of women in Qatari society through a contemporary lens. Using painting, collage, and mixed media, Alaali merges traditional themes with modern design. A graduate of Qatar University, her work has been showcased across the region. This includes exhibitions in China, Kuwait, Jordan, and the UAE. She is also active in managing cultural exhibitions and workshops. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Qatar Society of Fine Arts.
Charlene Kasdorf, an artist and visual literacy educator, will also take part. Kasdorf, who holds an MA in Museum and Gallery Practice from UCL Qatar, recently launched a participatory art project. It encourages expressive character drawing.
Fatima Tarig Jawed, a Pakistani ceramic artist, will join the lineup with her innovative sculptures. They are made from materials like discarded automobile parts, reimagined into metal-like ceramic forms. She is a graduate of the National College of Arts in Pakistan.
The event will provide a platform for creative expression and dialogue. It will offer insight into the evolving role of women in the arts.
