Legendary Hollywood film composer Hans Zimmer has teamed up with Qatar Airways to create a new musical identity for the carrier. The collaboration resulted in the Burgundy Symphony album, featuring five original compositions written specifically to accompany passengers during their flights. According to WAVE (the lifestyle project of RBK-Ukraine), citing Qatar Airways, each composition on the album has its own story and reflects a separate stage of the journey—from the anticipation of new discoveries to returning home.
Five Tracks — Five Stages of the Journey
According to the creators' vision, the musical arc of the album mirrors the structure of the journey itself. The track Dawn conveys the feeling of expectation and the opportunity to discover new horizons, while Dusk captures the peace of flying above the clouds in the evening sky. The track The Orchard is dedicated to moments of relaxation and, according to the source, was inspired by the ORCHARD tropical garden at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Homecoming tells the story of the emotions of returning home, and the final track, An Ode to Qatar, serves as a musical dedication to the country's cultural heritage and modern development.
Premiere in Doha and a Special Film
The project's premiere was celebrated on November 6 during Hans Zimmer's concert in Doha. As part of the event, audiences were shown a special film detailing the creation of the album and the creative ideas that inspired the composer. Thus, the release of Burgundy Symphony was framed as a full-scale public event rather than a routine musical release.
Where to Listen to the New Music
Passengers can now hear the new compositions directly onboard Qatar Airways flights. The full Burgundy Symphony album is also available for listening on the carrier's official YouTube channel. According to the parties, each of the five compositions is inspired by Qatar's culture, history, and the atmosphere of travel, making the album not just background music, but an integral part of the airline's brand.
Context of the Collaboration
Hans Zimmer's collaboration with Qatar Airways fits into a broader trend where major airlines and brands enlist prominent musicians to shape their auditory image. In this case, the emphasis is placed on Qatar's cultural heritage: from gardens and architecture to the very idea of travel as an experience. The Burgundy Symphony album thus serves a dual function—accompanying passengers in flight and presenting the host country's cultural code.
