Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat has officially announced its highly anticipated 2024/25 season through its official YouTube channel on Sunday, 18 August.
This season is set to showcase an eclectic mix of international talent, further establishing the venue as a premier cultural destination in Oman.
Among the highlights of the forthcoming season is an exceptional concert scheduled for 30 & 31 October 2024, featuring one of India's most esteemed classical musicians, Nishat Khan.
Nishat Khan, renowned for his mastery of the sitar, will lead the first half of this two-part concert. The sitar, celebrated for its unique, resonant tones, is an instrument deeply ingrained in Indian classical music, and Khan is recognized as one of its foremost practitioners.
Descended from seven generations of virtuosos, he has graced the stages of the world's most prestigious venues, including a notable performance of his sitar symphony "Gate of the Moon" at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms in 2013. His achievements include a Radio Mirchi Music Award for ‘Song of the Year’ in 2019.
The concert's second half will feature the European Philharmonia, conducted by Walter Proost, adding a sophisticated symphonic dimension to the evening's offerings.
Khan's illustrious career began at the age of seven, performing ragas at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall with the legendary Ravi Shankar in attendance.
His lineage is rooted in the Mughal courts, with his father and mentor, Ustad Imrat Khan, serving as a lifelong source of inspiration.
Regarded as the fastest sitar player in the world, Khan's performances are characterized by their hypnotic intensity and emotional depth, often extending for hours.
In addition to his classical roots, Khan has explored other musical genres, including scoring Bollywood films and collaborating in the visual arts, notably with British artist Anish Kapoor.
His versatility as a musician has seen him collaborate with artists across various genres, from violinist Vanessa Mae to flamenco guitarist Paco Peña.
His explorations have also extended into Gregorian chant, western classical music, and abstract jazz, collaborating with luminaries such as John McLaughlin, Philip Glass, Evelyn Glennie, and Django Bates.
Despite his ventures into diverse musical territories, it is Khan’s deep connection to the North Indian classical tradition and his exceptional ability for improvisation that continue to cement his status as a true maestro.
His upcoming performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat is expected to be a captivating showcase of his extraordinary talent. Tickets are available for purchase on the Royal Opera House Muscat website or at the box office.
