Muscat: February promises a diverse range of performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat, seamlessly merging classical artistry with educational elements.
The highlight of the month will be 'A Thousand and One Nights', a stunning classical ballet by Fikret Amirov, presented by the esteemed Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre from Vladivostok.
In keeping with the high standards that define this season, ROHM will host its annual concert featuring the magnificent pipe organ, with the acclaimed organist Claudio Astronio. Additionally, there will be a series of events and two concerts dedicated to the legendary Arab artist Mohammed Abdul Wahab.
As a cultural landmark in the Middle East, ROHM is dedicated to offering a rich and engaging program of outreach activities throughout the upcoming month.
Upcoming Performances
Kicking off with 'A Thousand and One Nights' on February 6 and 7, ROHM will present a ballet designed to captivate a worldwide audience. Set to enchanting Middle Eastern-inspired music, the performance delves into iconic stories such as 'Sinbad the Sailor' and 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves'.
On February 13, experience the magnificent soundscape at the Pipe Organ Concert. This annual event will feature ROHM’s exceptional pipe organ alongside organist Claudio Astronio, the Piccoli Cantori di Torino (children’s choir), and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gianluca Marciano.
Two children’s choirs from Muscat schools will join the children’s choir on stage, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange and creating lasting memories for both participants and audiences.
This concert honors the rich heritage and splendor of Oman’s pipe organ, beautifully complemented by the delightful harmonies of a renowned children’s choir.
A tribute to the legendary Arab musician Mohammed Abdul Wahab will take place on February 15 and 20, featuring two concerts with renowned artists Ali El Haggar, Mohammed Mohsen, Reham Abdul Hakim, and Jahida Wehbe. This event is part of a week-long celebration dedicated to music enthusiasts, which will also include an exhibition, various discussion sessions, and a rare screening of his beloved musical film ‘A Bullet in the Heart.’
ROHM’s Outstanding Educational and Outreach Programs
ROHM's comprehensive educational and outreach initiatives are designed to inspire and foster a love for the arts and music in Oman. In February, a unique series of activities will explore the inner workings of the opera house.
The Open House at ROHM is focused on developing the next generation of musical technicians and artists.
Children of various ages will have the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into each department of the opera house and meet the professionals who ensure the success of every performance.
On February 1, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, workshops will cover topics such as make-up, costumes, lighting, props, sound, photography, storytelling, and design.
As part of the Emerging Talents initiative, join us on February 9 for a special evening featuring Thomas Hampson, a Grammy Award-winning international baritone.
He will perform in a concert alongside the Muscat Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Omani Opera Choir Group, conducted by Lubnan Balbaaki, at 7 PM at ROHM.
An upcoming Emerging Talents initiative on February 24 will feature a concert by Simon Zhu, the recipient of the 2023 Paganini Prize.
Zhu recently showcased his talent by performing on Paganini’s renowned Cannone violin in London, an event attended by King Charles III. He will be accompanied by pianist Gile Bae, with artistic direction provided by Nicola Bruzzo. Registration for this event is free and open to all.
Additionally, the initiative includes educational components, such as a masterclass led by Simon Zhu in partnership with pianist Gile Bae, specifically for violin students. There will also be a discussion by the President of the Paganini Prize, focusing on the history of the award. Both of these educational events will take place on February 23.
Inspired by a season filled with fairy tales, the monthly event "Let’s Read" invites participants of all ages to engage with stories through expressive reading. This month, attendees will read aloud from the pages of Robin Hood in the Music Library at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts on February 22.
To commemorate the late Mohammed Abdul Wahab, the Royal Opera House Muscat will host daily educational and outreach activities from February 12 to 18.
On February 12, Dr. Shereen Badr will lead a discussion on Abdul Wahab’s collaboration with Umm Kulthum, exploring their influence on Arab music.
On February 14 and 19, a casual gathering titled Coffee and Dates will feature prominent singers from the concert at 5:00 PM.
On February 17, a quintet concert titled Spirit of the Orient will present instrumental pieces from Abdul Wahab's repertoire at 7:00 PM.
Finally, on February 18, there will be a screening of the film ‘A Bullet in the Heart’ (1944), preceded by a discussion led by Ameer Ramsis, Nahla Mattar, and Mohammed Nabil.
Join us on February 22nd for Robin Hood, with sessions from 10-11 AM in Arabic and 12-1 PM in English. Students are encouraged to participate. This February, ROHM presents a variety of performances and interactive educational experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone.
