Muscat, October 2024: Following the critically acclaimed start of the new season, Royal Opera House Muscat is continuing with a full calendar of events, bringing international performances to Oman’s stage. Looking forward to November, the opera house’s calendar will feature a variety of shows including Portuguese soul music, the glorious pageantry of the marching bands, an open-air concert, and a sophisticated evening of jazz. Additionally, audiences are invited to discover what is on offer in the Educational and Outreach programme with inspiring initiatives around reading and writing for children.
November opens with Cristina Branco, a legendary Fado singer who brings an authenticity and flare to this soulful Portuguese genre that strikes deep into the heart. Performing just one night, this concert offers an insight into this stunning tradition of music as well as connecting with feelings of love and loss amongst audiences. Don’t miss your chance to feel this incredible depth of emotion in ‘Mais que Fado’ with Cristina Branco on November 5 at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts.
Following just two days later is the annual three-night military music festival held on the polished maidan of the main opera house. A temporary auditorium with seating for over 2,000 people sets the stage for a captivating performance. Oman’s military and police marching bands, featuring drums and pipers, perform alongside visiting bands from Jordan and Austria. This dynamic exhibition combines international flair, light displays, and seamless collaboration, leaving a lasting impression. Military Music: Oman and the World is a highly popular event which sells out quickly. Choose your tickets for 7, 8 or 9 November to enjoy the show.
The middle of the month heralds the return of Ahlam to the opera house. In a new open air concert format, this Emirati super star will perform from her most loved repertoire of songs in what will be a sell-out event on November 14.
The final concert of the main programme in November are two nights of jazz, with a very special artist from the world stage. Anthony Strong is an extraordinary musician and performer, with a programme of classics from jazz greats such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, as well as his own original songs. In concert with the Latvian Radio Big Band, this is a combination which will feed or inspire a lifelong love of jazz. Audiences adore this sharp suited gentleman of jazz, and this show is highly anticipated. Anthony Strong and the Latvian Radio Big Band will take place on the 28 and 29 November at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts. Don’t miss Coffee and Dates on 27 November, with Anthony Strong in conversation with Umberto Fanni in the Music Library.
Two brand-new initiatives are launched this month by the education team. Aimed at inspiring love of reading, writing, and the theatre, November 6 & 7 sees the exclusive presentation to selected schools in Muscat of the much-loved story around the book character Geronimo Stilton by Italian author Elisabetta Dami, with a workshop on the ways to bring characters to life on the written page for children. Let’s Read, a theatrical presentation of stories and characters with YouThinkers, explores the magical tale of Beauty and the Beast (Music Library, 16 November, 10am till 1pm), building the excited anticipation for the spectacular ice show due to hit the main stage in January 2025. The month ends with the second Lunch Music of the season, Opera di Monte Carlo singers perform arias from the La Fille du Regiment at the Opera Galleria on Saturday 30 November at 12.30pm ahead of the performance.
Experience a range of musical genres to feed the appetite of loyal fans and the curiosity of young people with cultural aspirations, the opera house is dedicated to encouraging more people from across generations to make the most of their opera house. Tickets are available for purchase on the ROHM website, app, or directly at the box office. For more information, visit the ROHM website.