February is set to feature an eclectic array of performances at Royal Opera House Muscat that blend classic artistry and education. The exciting lineup will feature A Thousand and One Nights, a beautiful classical ballet by Fikret Amirov, from the prestigious Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre in Vladivostok. Adding to the standard of excellence which is the stamp of the season, ROHM presents the annual concert featuring ROHM’s very own regal pipe organ, with renowned organist Claudio Astronio, and, a series of events and two concerts paying homage to the prominent Arab composer and singer Mohammed Abdul Wahab. As a cultural beacon in the Middle East, ROHM’s commitment to a packed and engaging programme of outreach events is also prominent over the next month.
Upcoming Performances
Beginning with A Thousand and One Nights on February 6 and 7, ROHM showcases a ballet to enchant a global audience, set to evocative Middle Eastern-inspired music, the ballet explores iconic tales such as Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Experience the grand explosion of sound at the Pipe Organ Concert on February 13. ROHM’s unique pipe organ stars in the annual concert with organist Claudio Astronio, the Piccoli Cantori di Torino (children’s choir), and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gianluca Marciano. Two children’s choirs from Muscat schools will join the children’s choir on stage in an exciting connection between cultures and a young generation of voices, enabling lasting memories for participants and audiences. This concert celebrates the legacy and grandeur of Oman’s pipe organ, in sweet contrast to the exquisite sounds of a celebrated children’s choir.
Homage to Mohammed Abdul Wahab on February 15 & 20 will honour Arab music legend Mohammed Abdul Wahab with two concerts featuring prominent singers Ali El Haggar, Mohammed Mohsen, Reham Abdul Hakim, and Jahida Wehbe. The event is part of a week-long tribute celebration for music lovers, including an exhibition, several discussion sessions and a rare screening of his much loved musical film ‘A Bullet in the Heart’.
ROHM’s Exceptional Educational and Outreach Initiatives
The rich educational and outreach programme at ROHM aims to inspire and cultivate a passion for arts and music in Oman. In February, a special array of activities delve into the inner workings of the opera house.
ROHM’s Open House aims to nurture the next generation of musical technicians and artists. ROHM is offering children of different ages an invaluable exploration of each department of the opera house, a chance to meet the experts who ‘keep the show on the road’. Workshops will be presented on make-up, costumes, lighting, props, sound, photography, storytelling, and design on February 1, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
As part of the opera house’s Emerging Talents initiative, join us on 9th February for a special night with Thomas Hampson, a Grammy Award winning international baritone. He will star in a concert joined by Muscat Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Omani Opera Choir Group, conducted by Lubnan Balbaaki. 7pm at ROHMA.
Yet another Emerging Talents initiative on February 24 brings together a concert by Simon Zhu, winner of the 2023 Paganini Prize. Zhu recently performed on Paganini’s legendary Cannone violin in London before His Majesty King Charles III. His performance is accompanied by pianist Gile Bae, under the artistic direction of Nicola Bruzzo. Registration is free and open to everyone.
The initiative extends to educational sessions consisting of a masterclass by Simon Zhu in collaboration with pianist Gile Bae, open to violin students in addition to a talk by Paganini Prize President on the history of the prize. Both initiatives on February 23rd.
Inspired by a season full of fairy tales, Let’s Read is a monthly event throughout the season welcome to all ages experience and explore the stories with expression and imagination, reading aloud from the pages of Robin Hood. The readings will be in the Music Library at Royal Opera House of Musical Arts on February 22.
As part of the programme to honour the late Mohammed Abdul Wahab, Royal Opera House Muscat will be holding educational and outreach activities daily from 12th – 18th February.
February 12: A discussion by Dr. Shereen Badr on Abdul Wahab’s collaboration with Umm Kulthum, examining their impact on Arab music.
February 14 & 19: A casual session, Coffee and Dates, with leading singers of the concert at 5:00 PM.
February 17: Spirit of the Orient, a quintet concert of instrumental pieces from Abdul Wahab's repertoire at 7pm.
February 18: Screening of ‘A Bullet in the Heart’ (1944) with a pre-screening discussion led by Ameer Ramsis, Nahla Mattar, and Mohammed Nabil.
With diverse performances and hands-on educational experiences, ROHM offers something for everyone this February.
For tickets and further details on the February programme, please visit rohmuscat.org.om
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