ROHM successes to continue with new season of music, dance and education

By Paul McLoughlin -

The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) announced the line-up for the 2014-15 Season yesterday that will again feature some of the most celebrated names in opera, ballet, classical and world music. At a press conference to announce the list of performers and some of the achievements of the last season, His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahad al Said, ROHM Board Member, said that there would be a special focus on diversity to appeal to a wider range of audiences. He noted that this is part of ongoing efforts to promote variety in the ROHM’s performances, which has so far been successful in encouraging nationals and residents to discover and experience new musical styles.

“While it is difficult to measure in absolute numbers and given our observation throughout the season (2013-14), we can definitely confirm that we have observed an increase in the Omani audience across all Arab and non-Arab events. Moreover, there has been an increase in the attendance of expats in Arabic events hence we are very proud that our audience curiosity has expanded into new audiences,” he said. This has been one of the main aims of the ROHM since its inception three years ago, and through educational and promotional events, new generations in the Sultanate have been introduced to classical and world music. It has also in many ways put Oman on the map as a regional hub for opera and classical music, thanks to attendance from international audiences and bolstered by tour operators offering ‘cultural packages’ for visitors to enjoy a night at the ROHM.

“I am pleased to announce that compared to last season, we had many more sold out events with ticket sales around 80 per cent, which is above international standards and sold to patrons from over 57 counties around the world in comparison to 46 countries last season,” HH Sayyid Kamil added. The season will begin with the opera Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi, performed by the namesake theatre in Trieste, Italy on September 18, 20 and 22. Continuing ROHM’s mission in educating local audiences on the beauty and technical sophistication of opera, a family concert will feature on September 21, which will introduce people of all ages to some of the fundamental principles of opera, with explanations and examples of the aria, cabaletta, duet and more. This will help more music lovers in the country enjoy and understand better some of the other five other opera performances later in the season including Donizetti’s Don Pasquale performed by Teatro Comunale di Bologna and the world renowned musical by Lerner and Leowe, My Fair Lady, which ROHM believes should enjoy broad popularity in Muscat.

One of the most anticipated events for the new season will be Broadway On Ice, a wintery extravaganza that will see ROHM’s stage be transformed into an ice rink and feature poetic performances from former Olympic skaters. This will be held over the Christmas period from December 24-27. In November, there will be a Latin flavour to the ROHM with five flamenco acts presenting song and dance of the Andalucían tradition music that has its roots not only in gypsy rhythms but also in its Arabic heritage. Dr Nasser bin Hamad al Taee, Education and Outreach Board Advisor, says that audiences can expect more educational programmes this season in order to appreciate different musical styles as well as how the opera house operates. This will include educational and recreational activities that will see hundreds of students participating in the ROHM’s cultural initiatives and at least 11 school events with further outreach to international platforms and institutions. “Our efforts are not limited to our local initiatives and programmes, but rather we do our best and prepare papers to attend international conferences and symposiums, stressing the active and strong presence of the ROHM and its productive role in enriching human intellect,” he said.

Community-oriented performances and national initiatives will work in conjunction with international names, including a celebration of Omani Women’s Day on October 15 with a guest appearance from Angham backed by local and international performers. National Day will be marked in November with a complimentary performance for the public from an array of military bands on November 6, 7 and 8. On December 3, the ROHM’s legendary pipe organs will be put to practice with a free-ticketed Pipe Organ Symposium, which will bring education elements to an enlightening performance. Oman’s Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra will perform with the world’s most famous oud player and composer Marcel Khalife on March 5 and 7, while Oman will celebrate the life and music of one of the icons of Oriental music Umm Kalthum.

This annual event entitled Kulthumiyat will feature artists from across the region to mark the anniversary of the Egyptian tarab vocalist’s death with a performance of her music by Diva Amal Maher. Speaking about the successes of 2013-14, Dr Nasser said, “ROHM became an artistic centre, a social and cultural Omani majlis, bringing together all members of the society, and an open window overlooking the shared human heritage of a vivid creative world.”

Sunday 18th, May 2014 / 20:32 Written by Paul McLoughlin 

in Features