Qatar Airways passengers on board flight QR279 from Doha to St. Petersburg on Wednesday, were treated to a surprise performance by members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra were travelling to Russia for a unique concert in St. Petersburg, in celebration of the Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture.

The orchestra delighted passengers onboard with a live performance of Qatar Airways’ original boarding music composed by local Qatari musician and songwriter, Dana Al Fardan.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra travelled to St. Petersburg to take part in the VII St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum where they will perform a concert titled ‘28’, referring to the diversity of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and its eclectic mix of musicians from 28 countries.

The Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture aims to strengthen relations between Qatar and Russia, and to celebrate the vibrant complexity of both nations and their people.

St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city and is known as the cultural capital of Russia. It is culturally diverse and filled with historical architectural gems, including the Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral.

Qatar Airways operates a daily flight to St. Petersburg and three daily flights to Moscow.