​Muscat, October 2024: The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) launched its 2024/25 season with a stunning production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, performed in Oman for the very first time by the renowned China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Beijing. Held on the 3rd and 5th of October, the opening nights saw a gathering of world-class artists, many making their debut at ROHM, including Elena Stikhina, Piotr Beczała, Liao Changyong, Agnieszka Rehlis, and Enkeleda Kamani, under the direction of the renowned creative genius, Hugo de Ana.
With Maestro Giampaolo Bisanti conducting the Orchestra della Fondazione del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Verdi’s opera was brought to life with exceptional artistry, delivering a captivating experience for all in attendance.
The spectacular opening night drew a large and distinguished audience, marking a key moment in Oman’s cultural calendar. Guests were welcomed on a glamorous red carpet and treated to a dazzling light display, setting the tone for an exceptional evening. In keeping with the opera’s theme, bespoke masks were distributed to attendees, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the atmosphere of Un Ballo in Maschera.
In addition to the opera, the NCPA presented A Musical Night from China on Friday, 4th October at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts. Conducted by Lü Jia, Artistic Director of Music and Music Director of the NCPA Orchestra, the concert featured the NCPA Chorus and soloists, offering a beautiful showcase of musical talent and further strengthening cultural ties between Oman and China.
Umberto Fanni, Director General and Artistic Director of ROHM, expressed his pride in the season’s launch:
“It is an honour to present Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera in Muscat for the first time, brought to life by the China National Centre for the Performing Arts as the opening of our 2024/25 season. This remarkable collaboration between ROHM and NCPA is a testament to the powerful role that cultural institutions play in fostering mutual understanding through the universal language of art. It will remain a memorable evening and one of the highlights of our season.”
Lü Jia, Artistic Director of Music and Music Director of the NCPA Orchestra, added:
"Music, a universal symbol of friendship, brought the Royal Opera House Muscat audience together to witness the remarkable cultural exchange between our two nations. It was a true pleasure to visit Oman for the first time and present an unforgettable performance of A Musical Night from China."
“The NCPA is proud to conduct yet again another international tour with its own world class production of a full stage opera” explained the Vice President of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, Guan Jianbo “This is an achievement of great significance, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of our art, and the collaboration and cultural connection between the people of China and Oman”.
Following the season's vibrant opening, excitement continues to build for the upcoming performances. Many have already secured tickets for the highly anticipated Omani Women’s Day celebration on 17th October, featuring the legendary Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, alongside the inspirational Al Nour Wal Amal Ladies’ Orchestra— the world’s only orchestra of blind musicians playing classical and Arab music. The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra Ladies’ Ensemble and Moroccan pianist Nour Ayadi will also perform. Majida El Roumi will remain in Muscat for two additional concerts on the 18th and 19th of October, performing her most beloved songs, praised for their poetic beauty and themes of love, humanity, and patriotism.
Later in the month, the renowned sitar virtuoso Nishat Khan will grace the stage alongside the European Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Walter Proost, for an original performance of his sitar symphony Gate of the Moon on 30th and 31st October. Additionally, the Royal Opera House Muscat will host a range of educational and outreach events, including a performance by world-famous soprano Joyce El Khoury, pianist Serouj Kradjian, and a Lebanese ensemble on 21st October, blending the elegance of French and Arabic songs in a refined ‘salon music’ experience.