Muscat: The esteemed Royal Opera House of Musical Arts was honored to host one of India's most distinguished classical musicians, Nishat Khan, on the 30th and 31st of October. The audience was thoroughly engrossed in Khan's exceptional mastery of the sitar, presented in a concert setting that masterfully integrated the rich traditions of Indian classical music with the sophisticated elements of Western orchestral compositions.
Under the orchestral direction of Walter Proost, accompanied by the European Philharmonia, the concert was a tribute to Khan's renowned sitar symphony, "Gate of the Moon" (Sitar Concerto No. 1), a piece that has garnered international acclaim.
The evening was meticulously divided into two distinct segments, beginning with the performance of evening and night ragas, followed by the presentation of the full sitar concerto. This musical odyssey provided the audience with an unparalleled experience, showcasing the profound depth and exceptional talent of Khan's musical prowess.
Nishat Khan is universally recognized as a virtuoso performer and composer, celebrated for his significant contributions to the realm of Indian classical music. His symphony was premiered at London's Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms in 2013, in a collaboration with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor David Atherton.
Khan has had the privilege of performing at some of the most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York, among others, thereby fostering cultural exchange through the universal language of music.
Established in 2013, the European Philharmonia is dedicated to making classical music more accessible to the public, under the visionary leadership of Walter Proost. This orchestra is a harmonious blend of seasoned musicians and promising newcomers, performing at distinguished venues throughout Belgium, the Netherlands, and further afield.
The ensemble has had the honor of collaborating with leading soloists such as Boris Belkin, José van Dam, and Barbara Hendricks, while steadfastly upholding its commitment to the development of young musical talent.
In an interview regarding the event, Umberto Fanni, the Artistic Director and Director General of the Royal Opera House Muscat, expressed, "The inclusion of world-class artists such as Nishat Khan underscores the Royal Opera House Muscat's commitment to fostering cultural connections through the universal language of music. His performance of the 'Gate of the Moon' symphony, conducted by the European Philharmonia, was a remarkable musical odyssey that deeply resonated with our audience."
Nishat Khan reflected on his experience: "It has been an immense privilege to perform at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a venue that epitomizes the Omani community's profound sensitivity and appreciation for the arts and culture. The opportunity to play my sitar concerto, 'Gate of the Moon,' in such a grand setting has been an unforgettable experience."
Looking forward, the Royal Opera House Muscat is set to continue its tradition of presenting world-class talent. On November 5, the renowned Fado singer Cristina Branco will present "Mais que Fado," a captivating evening dedicated to Portuguese music, delving into themes of love and loss.
In the coming weeks, the Military Music: Oman and the World festival is scheduled to return, transforming the Maidan into a lively temporary auditorium. This esteemed event will feature performances by Oman’s military and police bands, alongside international ensembles from Jordan and Austria. The festival promises to be a celebration of music, light displays, and dynamic collaborations.
Given the anticipated high demand, it is advisable to secure tickets in advance.
