Universal Language of Music Unites AFCENT Band Mirage and Qatari Musicians Published April 14, 2009 By MSgt Steven Przyzycki The USAF Academy Band U.S. EMBASSY DOHA, QATAR -- The AFCENT BAND Mirage performed April 8, 2009 to a host of dignitaries, and with famous Qatari musicians creating great diplomatic effect, and proving that music is indeed the universal language of the world. By special invitation from the Minister of Culture and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, Mirage was asked to perform a special concert with world class Qatari musicians Abdulaziz Jasem Mohd. Al-Haidos and Aleaq Sahid. Mirage is comprised of eight musicians who are all members of the United States Air Force Academy Band located at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs. They are deployed to Southwest Asia in support of troop morale and U.S. Air Force diplomatic relations. Mr. Haidos is a world famous Oud (similar to a lute) player and Mr. Sahid is world renown as a percussionist throughout Southwest Asia. Meeting for the first time the morning of April 8, 2009 Mirage and these two Qatari musicians began rehearsing for that evening's performance at the U.S. Embassy. In no time at all, smiles were predominant as the musicians collaborated to put together a concert. The enthusiasm was infectious. Something surreal was happening here--a form of communication that goes beyond any traditional means. Mr. Haidos who also serves as Chairman for the Qatari Music Arts Center stated, "Mirage has elevated the status of my music school...I am honored. This is one of the best groups I have performed with. I am amazed at how fast and successful our collaboration took place." Ms. Mahvash Siddiqui, Cultural Attache and Public Affairs for the U.S. Embassy in Qatar said, "The Mirage performance with Mr. Haidos was absolutely spellbinding. They are such great folks to work with--superior professional artists!" Joseph LeBaron, Ambassador for the U.S. Embassy, Doha, State of Qatar, was most appreciative of the concert. "You have really created a buzz here tonight," he told the musicians. "Music is a better form of communication than even the spoken word. The emotional impact of music provides a deeper meaning. You are fantastic ambassadors...you transcend music, culture and nations to create valuable diplomatic effects." Plans were under way for more performance in the coming weeks. Basking in the warm hospitality of the embassy, the musicians shook hands and smiled. This had been a great evening and a strong message had been delivered--all through the universal language of music.