Doha: The eighth edition of the Katara European Jazz Festival kicked off today, organized by Katara Cultural Village Foundation in partnership with the embassies of 11 European countries: Armenia, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. According to Qatar News Agency, on the festival's opening day, the audience enjoyed performances from jazz bands representing Spain, Germany, and Austria, offering a mix of traditional melodies and a blend of classical and contemporary jazz. HE Ambassador of Spain to Qatar Javier Carbajosa Sanchez expressed his delight at the festival's return after a hiatus due to COVID-19 and the 2022 World Cup, praising Katara for its role in offering events that foster cultural and artistic exchanges. The festival runs through to Sunday. Tomorrow, Friday, there will be performances from Swiss bands, British Council, and Italy. On Saturday, Qatar Music Academy will present a concert alongside bands from the Netherland s and France. The festival will close on Sunday with performances from bands from Malta, Belgium, and Armenia. The concerts are being held at Katara Corniche, Gates 20 and 21, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.