Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is set to captivate audiences with an exceptional array of events in January 2025 as part of its exciting 2024/25 season. This month promises a blend of world-class performances and enriching educational activities suitable for all ages.
The lineup includes enchanting experiences, from captivating stories brought to life on ice to vibrant showcases of cultural heritage and operatic masterpieces.
Beauty and the Beast on Ice, January 2, 3, and 4 - British-Omani ice-skating champion Amani Fancy takes center stage in this magical rendition of Beauty and the Beast. Presented by the International Ice Stars, the production features stunning choreography, aerial acrobatics, and impressive special effects, creating a delightful icy spectacle for families.
Folk Music Festival, January 16 and 17 - This year’s Folk Music Festival brings together Omani folk traditions alongside performances from Bulgaria, South Korea, and Paraguay. Set in the beautiful maidan of the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts, the festival celebrates cultural heritage and exchange through music, dance, and storytelling.
Simon Boccanegra by Giuseppe Verdi, January 23 and 25 – Under the direction of Valery Gergiev, the esteemed conductor and director of the Mariinsky Theatre, the Mariinsky Opera presents Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, a poignant narrative of love, loss, and reconciliation. Directed by Andrea De Rosa, this production features historical costumes and video projections of the Ligurian Sea.
To enhance the experience, a pre-performance talk will delve into the opera’s themes and history. Opera aficionados can also participate in Opera Talks on January 22, which will explore the storyline and dramatic highlights of Verdi’s work with live musical excerpts. Additionally, a Lunch Music session on January 18 in the Opera Galleria will offer a relaxed performance of some of the opera’s most cherished arias.
ROHM is set to host an exceptional weekend featuring the Mariinsky Opera, presenting "Opera Masterpieces," a recital showcasing talented young soloists from the Mariinsky Theatre on January 24. This event will feature a selection of Russian arias composed by renowned figures such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky, emphasizing the emerging talents in opera and the rich heritage of Russian vocal artistry.
Concluding January, the spotlight will be on Lebanese singer and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Majida El Roumi, celebrated across the Arab world as the ‘Angel of Tarab’ and ‘Star of Peace.’ This performance promises to be a captivating experience, showcasing her extraordinary voice and heartfelt music.
Additionally, ROHM's January schedule includes a variety of educational and community events with free entry, providing valuable experiences for everyone. Notable events include "Paganini’s Violins and Italian Violin Making" on January 14, featuring discussions and workshops led by violin experts, along with a special session for Omani students as part of the Paganini for Everyone initiative. Children aged 7 and older are invited to a storytelling session, "Let’s Read," on January 11 in ROHM’s Music Library, where excerpts from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" will be read in both Arabic and English.
For ticket information and a complete schedule, please visit www.rohmuscat.org.om or reach out to the box office. Join us this January for an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and artistry.
