Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat is pleased to announce the Season 2024/2025. We invite you to embark on a journey through a season filled with remarkable performances and exhilarating moments, showcasing the finest in world-class opera. This season is a testament to the rich diversity of our repertoire, featuring over 50 performances across our main programming. From the grandeur of more than 5 operas to the vibrant energy of 9 Arab music concerts, 7 classical concerts, 4 family shows, 3 world music concerts, 1 extraordinary ballet, and a mesmerizing jazz concert, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Leading Arab and Western artists will take the stage throughout this season, delivering performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. The season spans from October 2024 to the end of May 2025, ensuring a continuous flow of exceptional productions for our audience to savor.
OPERAS OF PUCCINI, VERDI, AND DONIZETTI
The season kicks off with Un Ballo in Maschera, a Verdi masterpiece, presented for the first time in Oman by The National Centre for Performing Arts Beijing (NCPA), marking a significant milestone in our collaboration. This opera promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a stellar cast including Elena Stikhina, Piotr Bezcala, Liao Chaoyong, and Agnieszka Rehlis, under the direction of the esteemed Hugo de Ana with the Orchestra Teatro Lirico di Cagliari and NCPA Chorus conducted by Giampaolo Bisanti.
Following Un Ballo in Maschera, we delve into the captivating story of La Fille du Regiment by Gaetano Donizetti, a tale filled with infectious melodies and witty dialogue, guaranteed to be a delightful experience. This production, staged by Jean-Louis Grinda in an Opera Monte Carlo production, boasts an exceptional lineup of artists including Jessica Pratt, Antonio Siragusa, Veronica Simeoni, and Omar Montanari, accompanied by the Arcangelo Corelli Orchestra and Opera Monte Carlo Chorus under the direction of Antonello Allemandi.
The season continues with Simon Boccanegra by Giuseppe Verdi, presented by the Mariinsky Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of the globally renowned Valery Gergiev. This production, scheduled for the 23rd and 25th of January, promises to be a celebration of Verdi's masterpiece.
Younger audiences will find themselves enchanted by Michele Dall’Ongaro’s family opera, Robin Hood, a timeless epic that unfolds with infectious melodies and captivating wit. This production, presented by the Petruzzelli Theatre Foundation of Bari, directed by Pietro Maniti, based on a libretto by Vincenzo De Vivo, is set to debut on the 18th and 19th of April.
Our season concludes with the return of the successful ROHM’s production of La Traviata, directed by Marta Domingo. This production, featuring the Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova conducted by the legendary Plácido Domingo, is a testament to the enduring appeal of this remarkable opera. With leading opera stars including Yusif Eyvazov and Juliana Grigoryan in her debut as Violetta, this production promises to be a celebration of the beauty and complexity of La Traviata. The Compañia Antonio Gades will also contribute to the richness of the production with their expertise in flamenco dance choreography, adding a unique dimension to the drama.
We look forward to your attendance at these exceptional performances and hope to see you at the Royal Opera House Muscat.
ARAB MUSIC LEGENDS UNITE
The season's programming of Arab Music brings together some of the most revered stars and legends in concerts that not only warm the soul but also reconnect audiences with history and tradition. The annual concert celebrating Omani Women’s Day features an extraordinary lineup of female musicians, including the Al Nour wal Amal Orchestra—the sole blind all-female orchestra dedicated to classical music—Nour Ayadi, and the ROSO Ladies’ Ensemble, in addition to Majida El Roumi, celebrated on October 17th. The season's festivities are further illuminated by solo concerts featuring Arab superstars, such as Majida El Roumi on October 18th and 19th, Ahlam on November 14th, and Ragheb Alama on May 23rd and 24th. These performances conclude our season with a special concert by Ragheb Alama on May 23rd and 24th.
A SPECIAL Tribute to Mohamed Abdul Wahab
A unique festival is dedicated to honoring Mohamed Abdul Wahab's legacy as one of the most distinguished musicians in Arab music history, spanning from February 15th to 20th. This festival includes a series of events and exhibitions, complemented by two distinct concerts aimed at paying tribute to his life and contributions.
A Respectful Ramadhan Series
Our annual respectful Ramadhan series is scheduled during the holy month, featuring performances by three different Omani groups each evening, accompanied by visiting musicians from the region. This series offers a unique opportunity for a broader audience to experience these special moments of reflection.
A Journey through Yemeni Music
A one-of-a-kind concert introduces traditional Yemeni music to symphonic orchestra arrangements in "Traditional Symphonies – A Journey through Yemeni Music," conducted by Mohamed AlGhoom. This concert, scheduled for April 24th and 25th, promises an enriching experience for audiences.
CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES
Our inaugural orchestral concert of the season, titled "A Musical Night from China," showcases the exceptional participation of Soloists and the Choir of NCPA Beijing. This concert, featuring the celebrated baritone Liao Changyong, accompanied by the Orchestra Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, conducted by Lü Jia, the Artistic Director of Music and Music Director of the NCPA Orchestra, is set for October 4th. The concert's unique program includes a selection from traditional Chinese repertoire, with a special performance of the Pipa concerto by Zhao Jiping, played by Zhang Hongyan.
In a celebration of musical excellence, the opera house is set to present a captivating programme featuring performances by a distinguished ensemble. This season, the Mariinksy Opera in Opera Masterpieces will grace the stage with a beautiful selection of music, including a choir, singers, and orchestra. The season also promises to reintroduce the annual Pipe Organ Concert, a highlight of the opera house's calendar. This year, the concert will showcase the magnificent ROHM pipe organ, played by the organist Claudio Astronio, accompanied by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gianluca Marciano. The concert, scheduled for February 13th, is expected to be a testament to the beauty and grandeur of pipe organ music.
The season culminates in a grand finale with the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts hosting the final classical Gala Symphony Concert. This event will feature some of the most distinguished artists in the classical music world, including the renowned Plácido Domingo, who will conduct the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra. The concert, set for May 2nd, promises to be a showcase of exceptional talent and musical prowess.
In a collaboration that promises to be both innovative and captivating, ROHM is proud to partner with La Salle Gaveau to present The Piano Duel. This event will feature a thrilling piano competition between two recent laureates of the prestigious Monte Carlo Music Masters Competition, also known as the Prix de Ranier III. The competition, which will be conducted by Alessandro Cadario, will see Aristo Sham (2023 Grand Prix) and Nikolai Kuznetsov (2021 Grand Prix) compete once again, this time against each other in a battle of piano and orchestra repertoire. The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the selection of the evening's best pianist. The event is scheduled for December 6th.
For audiences of all ages, the opera house offers a selection of enchanting children's classics, including a screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This adaptation of the beloved novel, brought to life on a grand screen, will feature the soundtrack performed by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Justin Freer. The event, scheduled for April 10th and 11th, promises to be a magical experience for both children and adults alike.
The opera house also boasts a lineup of stunning ballet and dance performances. One such performance is Fikret Amirov’s ballet, One Thousand and One Nights, directed by one of the opera house’s most prestigious companies, the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Ballet in Vladivostok. This ballet, inspired by Fikret Amirov’s tours across Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, and India, is a testament to the composer’s ability to capture the essence of Arabic culture and rhythm in his music. The ballet, which premiered in 1979, has been celebrated for its ability to bring to life the poetry of ancient tales through music, movement, and imagery.
In another world premiere, the Royal Opera House Muscat is set to host the Compañia Flamenca Antonio Andrade in their brand-new production, Memories of Alhambra. This production promises to be a fusion of Arabic Music and Flamenco, showcasing the rich heritage of Flamenco from its roots in Andalusia and its evolution into a global art form.
DAZZLING JAZZ
The opera house is honored to host the esteemed, charismatic, and musically gifted jazz singer and pianist, Anthony Strong, for the inaugural concert in Oman. This exceptional event will showcase songs from his latest album, offering an opportunity for the audience to experience the soul-stirring charm and inspiration of the 'English Gentleman' as he performs alongside the distinguished Latvian Radio Big Band. The concert will feature a joyful repertoire that includes timeless legends such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and James Taylor, as well as original compositions. The concert will take place on the 28th and 29th of November.
ICONS OF WORLD MUSIC AND CULTURE
The opera house takes great pride in its commitment to the ROHM vision for cultural enrichment and global diversity in its programming. In line with this vision, the opera house is delighted to introduce two artists at the pinnacle of their respective fields within a national genre. Nishat Khan will elevate the concept of musicality to new heights with the sitar in a two-part concert, accompanied by the European Philarmonia Orchestra under the direction of Walter Proost. Proost is recognized as the foremost musician in Indian classical music, a title he has earned without peer. This concert will be held on the 30th and 31st of October.
SPECTACULAR SHOWS FOR EVERYONE
As has been the tradition, the opera house is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and diverse program for all attendees to enjoy. This season, the opera house is pleased to introduce a selection of family-friendly shows that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages. One such show is Beauty and the Beast on Ice, presented in a spectacular manner as ROHM welcomes Olympic award-winning ice skaters to narrate this beloved tale, accompanied by contortionists, German wheel acts, fire breathers, aerial acrobatics, and more. This show will be staged on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of January.
Other shows that will grace the stage this season include the world premiere of ‘Sword of Wisdom’ Acrobatic Show, an awe-inspiring display of the extraordinary U-Theatre ensemble, featuring drumming, martial arts, acrobatic excellence, and dynamic percussion theatre. This show will be performed on the 19th and 20th of December.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to celebrate the annual Military Music: Oman and the World outdoor show, which this season features guest participation from Austria and Jordan. This event will take place on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of November.
A warm welcome to the return of the Folk Music Festival, this year featuring performances from Bulgaria, South Korea, and Paraguay. Omani folk musicians will join forces with musicians from these countries to present a magnificent showcase of heritage and cultural traditions. The festival will be held on the 16th and 17th of January.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
The 2024/25 calendar of educational activities is set to feature two Open House days, meticulously designed to engage local enthusiasts in the unique experience offered by the Royal Opera House Muscat. The inaugural Open House event, titled "World of Fairy Tales," is scheduled for December 21st, dedicated to a full day of activities inspired by timeless tales of childhood, catering to families and children alike. The second Open House, aptly named "Join Us!", promises to showcase the diverse professions within the theatre industry, with staff members hosting workshops on various aspects such as makeup, costumes, props, sound, photography, storytelling, and design. This event is set to take place on February 1st.
Additionally, the educational programme will include special projects in April and May, focusing on specific shows. These projects will feature presentations on notable productions such as "Harry Potter: A World of Magic," "La Traviata Project," "Welcome to Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood!" and "Paganini for Everyone," each delving into the historical significance of these works and their impact on music.
Students based in Oman will have the opportunity to benefit from several masterclasses led by distinguished artists. This includes Ambassador of Song Thomas Hampson, renowned conductor Fabio Mastrangelo, soprano Joyce El Khoury, world-class musicians Simon Zhu and Gile Bae, and organist Claudio Astronio. These masterclasses are designed to enrich the musical education of Omani students.
Furthermore, the Royal Opera House Muscat is set to launch a new educational activity titled "Let's Read," aimed at complementing the season's focus on fairy tales. This initiative includes monthly reading groups for children, young adults, and families, in collaboration with Elisabetta Dami, the internationally adored author of Geronimo Stilton. An exciting theatrical presentation of Geronimo Stilton's stories is scheduled for November 6th.
In addition to these offerings, the educational programme will feature exclusive morning performances by the Robin Hood family opera, scheduled for April 15th, 16th, and 17th, providing a unique opportunity for both local Arabic and international schools to enjoy this captivating production.
The Summer Camp, a highlight of the educational programme, promises two weeks of immersive sessions inspired by the world of superheroes. This period will introduce children to the realms of music, theatre, dance, and technology, fostering a well-rounded appreciation for the arts.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
The outreach programme is committed to a series of established activities throughout the season, including Lunch Music in the Opera Galleria, Coffee and Dates, exclusive talks with the artists, Opera Talks with our musicologist in the music library, the Absolute Music Series, and Movie Nights.
This season's Absolute Music Series is set to welcome soprano Joyce El Khoury, accompanied by pianist Serouj Kradjian and a Lebanese ensemble, for a unique concert titled "Scheherazade." This event promises to be a celebration of the timeless tale of Scheherazade.
Additionally, the Royal Opera House Muscat is launching the Emerging Talents initiative, a three-concert format that will feature young winners of international competitions performing in Muscat. This new concert series is designed to showcase internationally recognized artists, including "Ambassador of Song" Thomas Hampson, accompanied by the Muscat Philharmonic Orchestra and the Omani Opera Choir Group, conducted by Lubnan Balbaaki. This event is scheduled for February 9th.
The programme also includes performances by pianists Aristo Sham and Nikolai Kuznetsov from the Monte Carlo Music Masters and violinist Simon Zhu and pianist Gile Bae from the Paganini Prize, both of whom have won the prestigious Paganini Prize.
These performances are set to take place on February 6th, 9th, and 24th, respectively, offering a diverse range of musical experiences for the audience.
The outreach programme is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Muscat through its educational activities and outreach efforts.
In the wake of the inaugural launch of its Open Doors initiative in 2024, which marked the expansion of scheduled productions beyond the confines of ROHM's opera house, the venue is committed to providing exclusive performances tailored for specific institutions, including hospitals and nursing homes, in Muscat. This year, an additional focus will be placed on enhancing inclusivity by introducing sign language across all educational activities.
The upcoming season, spanning from 2024 to 2025, promises to be a season of enchantment, featuring renowned international names, popular shows, operas that nourish both the mind and soul, beloved Arab artists, and an extensive selection designed to ignite a passion for music across all age groups.
Tickets are available for purchase starting August 18, 11:00 am.
