Live music in Doha

The Awakenings Ensemble
Catch them: Pick up a copy of their new CD, Speak, this month at Virgin Megastores. For more information on their performance, check out www.theawakeningsensemble.com

Branching off from the ASD Chamber Music series is this group, that mixes classical, Arabic and modern styles to create something truly interesting. They had their debut performance in June, and since then, have been hard at work on their new CD, Speak, available this month at Virgin Megastores.

‘The album was recorded here in Doha as well as in Dubai plus Perth and Melbourne in Australia. It features musicians from the US, Australia, Egypt, Syria, The Ukraine, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia and Canada,’ says Mike Pignéguy, one of the founders of the group. They’re commited to blending the local musical tradition with influences from many other genres, performing with between eight and 11 members (sometimes adding a string section), many of whom also play with other groups and orchestras in the city.

‘We are currently under consideration a performance at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival,’ says Mike. ‘If we do that performance it’s likely we will feature some local Qatari musicians (possibly Oud and vocals).