Royal Opera House Muscat welcomed Taiwan's U-Theatre for their extraordinary production Sword of Wisdom on December 19 and 20. This visually striking performance blends drumming, martial arts, acrobatics, and music to narrate the journey of the 'Brave One' as he faces his fears and discovers inner courage. World-renowned as awe-inspiring, over the last decade, U Theatre has performed at world stages including Barbican Centre (UK), Avignon Festival (France), and the Next Wave Festival at BAM (NYC).
Powerful, solid yet tranquil, Sword of Wisdom featured drumming, layered wooden and metal percussion. Famous worldwide for their intense discipline, virtuosity, and the extreme beauty and precision of movement, U-Theatre embodied both Chinese martial artistry and rhythmic dance within its drumming performance.
Commenting on the show, Sword of Wisdom's artistic director added: “It is a pleasure to return to Oman and to showcase Sword of Wisdom to the wonderful audience here in Muscat. It is a privilege to share our message of the power of nature and the importance of self-discovery with the multi-generational and multi-cultural community in this beautiful city."
In addition, ROHM continues its Open Doors initiative to bring joy to communities with an inclusive musical experience. The Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana, known for its performances across classical and contemporary genres, performed a concert on 19th December to children at the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability inspiring engagement and creativity through music. The children also attended a workshop with the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana team where they explored the rhythms and themes of Disney songs. This initiative is central to ROHM's ongoing commitment to improving accessibility to the arts.
ROHM concludes December with a romantic New Year's Eve concert featuring the exceptional bass-baritone Erwin Schrott, alongside the St. Petersburg Northern Sinfonia Orchestra of the 'F.I. Chaliapin' St Petersburg State Music Theatre conducted by Fabio Mastrangelo on 31st December. The programme features classical operatic selections followed by Johann Strauss's timeless waltzes, promising a memorable end to 2024. ROHM is proud to give audiences the chance to meet the conductor Fabio Mastrangelo on 29th December, 7 pm at the Music Library, for a special Coffee & Dates Q&A – open to all.