​ Muscat, December 2024 – The Royal Opera House Muscat proudly presented Desert Bridges on December 12, a unique concert that brought together a newly formed ensemble of Swiss and Omani musicians, showcasing the unifying power of music. The concert was accompanied by a range of educational and outreach activities, reflecting the opera house's commitment to engaging with communities across Oman.
In Al Rustaq, the Desert Bridges ensemble performed a special concert at the Elderly Centre as part of the Open Doors initiative. Launched in 2024, this initiative is a cornerstone of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s outreach efforts, designed to adapt performances for audiences who may not have the opportunity to attend events in-house. The initiative includes performances tailored to different communities, making live music accessible throughout the Sultanate. The Desert Bridges concert in Al Rustaq marked the first time ROHM brought its seasonal programme outside Muscat, symbolizing its dedication to broadening cultural outreach.
Commenting on this initiative, Director General and Artistic Director of Royal Opera House Muscat explained: I am proud to see the Desert Bridges concert reach communities in Al Rustaq. Extending performances to diverse audiences, , lies at the heart of what it means to be a cultural institution. It gives meaning to our mission, enriching lives while creating connections and opening doors to the remarkable world of the Royal Opera House Muscat's artistry.
In Muscat, Swiss musicians conducted masterclasses exploring Jazz and modal music, the creation of solo repertoires, and the art of composing. These sessions offered local Omani talents the chance to enhance their skills while drawing inspiration from international expertise. The week of activities culminated in an inspiring performance by the Desert Bridges ensemble at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts on December 12.
Looking ahead, the Royal Opera House Muscat will welcome Taiwan’s U-Theatre for their extraordinary production Swords of Wisdom on December 19 and 20. This visually striking performance blends drumming, martial arts, and acrobatics to narrate the journey of the ‘Brave One’ as he faces his fears and discovers inner courage. The month will close with a spectacular New Year’s Eve concert on December 31, featuring the internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Erwin Schrott, the leading artist of his generation, alongside the St. Petersburg Northern Sinfonia Orchestra under the baton of Fabio Mastrangelo.
December also brings family-friendly events to the Royal Opera House Muscat. On December 21, an Open House event invites visitors to explore A World of Fairy Tales, where classic stories come to life. In January, the season continues with the dazzling production of Beauty and the Beast on Ice, offering audiences a magical fusion of storytelling and figure skating from January 2 to 4.
The Desert Bridges project exemplifies ROHM’s interest in fostering cultural exchange, nurturing local talent, and making the performing arts accessible to diverse audiences across Oman.