Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) commenced its 2024/25 season with an exquisite performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, marking the inaugural presentation of this opera in Oman. This prestigious event was staged by the China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Beijing, under the esteemed direction of Hugo de Ana.
The performance took place on the 3rd and 5th of October, with the opening nights attracting a distinguished audience. This event saw the debut of several world-class artists, including Elena Stikhina, Piotr Beczała, Liao Changyong, Agnieszka Rehlis, and Enkeleda Kamani, among others, who have made their mark at ROHM. The renowned creative genius, Hugo de Ana, led the ensemble to deliver an exceptional rendition of Verdi’s opera, captivating the audience with its exceptional artistry.
Maestro Giampaolo Bisanti, conducting the Orchestra della Fondazione del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, played a pivotal role in bringing Verdi’s opera to life, showcasing a remarkable display of talent and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The event's grand opening was attended by a large and distinguished audience, signifying a significant milestone in Oman’s cultural landscape. The evening commenced with a glamorous red carpet welcome, followed by a dazzling light display, setting the stage for an evening of exceptional quality.
In alignment with the opera’s theme, attendees were provided with bespoke masks, enhancing their immersion in the atmosphere of Un Ballo in Maschera.
Furthermore, the NCPA presented a Musical Night from China on Friday, 4th October, at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts. Under the baton of Lü Jia, the Artistic Director of Music and Music Director of the NCPA Orchestra, the concert featured the NCPA Chorus and soloists, offering a splendid showcase of musical talent and furthering the cultural connections between Oman and China.
Umberto Fanni, the Director General and Artistic Director of ROHM, expressed his pride in the inaugural season: “It is a privilege to stage Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera in Muscat for the first time, organized by the China National Centre for the Performing Arts as the season’s opening event. This remarkable collaboration between ROHM and NCPA stands as a testament to the influential role that cultural institutions play in promoting mutual understanding through the universal language of art. It will be remembered as a highlight of our season.”
Lü Jia, the esteemed Artistic Director of Music and the Music Director of the National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra (NCPA Orchestra), remarked, "Music, serving as a universal emblem of camaraderie, united the audience of the Royal Opera House Muscat in witnessing a remarkable cultural exchange between our two nations. It was a profound honor to visit Oman for the inaugural presentation of 'A Musical Night from China,' an unforgettable experience."
"The NCPA Orchestra is delighted to embark on yet another international tour, showcasing its world-class production of a full-stage opera," elucidated Guan Jianbo, the Vice President of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts. "This endeavor marks a significant milestone, highlighting the extensive impact of our artistic endeavors and the collaboration and cultural bond between the citizens of China and Oman."
As the season's vibrant opening concluded, anticipation for forthcoming performances continues to mount.
A multitude of tickets have been sold for the eagerly awaited Omani Women’s Day celebration on 17 October, featuring the legendary Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, in collaboration with the inspirational Al Nour Wal Amal Ladies’ Orchestra—the sole orchestra of blind musicians who specialize in classical and Arab music. The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra Ladies’ Ensemble and Moroccan pianist Nour Ayadi will also be part of the lineup. Majida El Roumi will extend her stay in Muscat for two additional concerts on the 18th and 19th of October, where she will perform her most cherished compositions, celebrated for their poetic essence and themes of love, humanity, and patriotism.
In the coming months, the esteemed sitar virtuoso Nishat Khan will perform alongside the European Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Walter Proost, in an original rendition of his sitar symphony 'Gate of the Moon' on the 30th and 31st of October. Furthermore, the Royal Opera House Muscat will host a variety of educational and outreach events, including a performance by the renowned soprano Joyce El Khoury, pianist Serouj Kradjian, and a Lebanese ensemble on 21 October, where they will blend the elegance of French and Arabic songs in a sophisticated 'salon music' experience.
The Royal Opera House Muscat cordially invites the public to reserve their seats for upcoming events through its website, mobile application, or directly at the box office.
