
H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia Appointed as Paganini Ambassador for 2025
Muscat – The prestigious International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini" has named H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, as the Paganini Ambassador for 2025, by Giovanni Panebianco, President of "Premio Paganini. The official appointment took place in a special ceremony with the presence of Guest of Honor, H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Riyami, Chief of Cultural Cooperations Department at the Foreign Ministry, Diplomats and members from the Omani and Italian community.
Founded in 1954, the "Premio Paganini" is one of the most renowned violin competitions in the world, dedicated to discovering and promoting young violin virtuosos while honoring the legacy of Niccolò Paganini. Over the decades, the competition has been a launchpad for internationally acclaimed artists, including Salvatore Accardo, Gidon Kremer, Leonidas Kavakos, and Sayaka Shoji.
The appointment of H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia as Paganini Ambassador reflects his commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and strengthening Italy's rich musical heritage on the international stage. Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador D'Elia has actively promoted Italian arts, music, and traditions, recognizing their role in building bridges between nations. His appointment aligns with the renewed vision of "Premio Paganini" to engage global audiences, particularly young musicians, while deepening the competition's ties with cultural institutions worldwide.
Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador D'Elia stated: "It is a great honor to be named Paganini Ambassador for 2025. Promoting strong cultural cooperation between Italy and Oman, in particular in the field of music, is both a privilege and a responsibility. I thank the Royal Opera House Muscat for its enriched program which includes the masterclass by Simon Zhu in collaboration with pianist Gile Bae that is open for violin students, a talk titled Paganini Prize by the President of Paganini Prize and an Emerging Talents evening to celebrate the Paganini Competition with the two rising stars in the classical music world, Simon Zhu and Gile Bae.' His Excellency continued: 'I look forward to supporting 'Premio Paganini' in its mission to nurture talent and celebrate the universal language of music.'
The Paganini Ambassador title is awarded to distinguished individuals who embody the competition's values and contribute to the global appreciation of classical music and Italian cultural heritage. H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia's appointment highlights the enduring cultural ties between the Italian Republic and the Sultanate of Oman, reinforcing music as a powerful instrument of international dialogue and artistic exchange.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Muscat Daily
19 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani pavilion wins award at London Design Biennale
Muscat – Oman's pavilion – titled 'Memory Grid' – has won the Best Design Award at the opening of the London Design Biennale 2025 last week. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the sultanate in its debut participation at the global cultural platform. The pavilion has been designed by multidisciplinary artist Haitham al Busafi and curated by the Zawraq Collective. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the project reflects the ministry's broader efforts to promote artistic and intellectual creativity among Omani youth. Haitham al Busafi 'Memory Grid' explores the ideas of memory, value and preservation in a fast-changing world. Visitors are invited to observe how perception shifts with perspective, with meaning transforming depending on how closely or distantly the work is viewed. Drawing inspiration from Oman's pottery traditions, the installation reimagines ancient clay vessels – once vital for carrying water and connecting communities – as symbols of cultural memory. The pavilion presents these traditional forms as metaphors for protecting what is valued, both in the past and present. In a modern context, the installation proposes that data is the new essential resource – requiring safeguarding much like water once did. Through the immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to reflect on how heritage, knowledge and identity are passed through generations. The project represents how traditional symbols can guide modern questions about preservation. The win at the biennale highlights Oman's increasing engagement with contemporary art and design on a global stage. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth said the pavilion represents the strategic direction to elevate creative output by young Omanis to international platforms.


Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR
Muscat -As Shangri-La Muscat celebrates 20 years of heartfelt hospitality in Oman this 2024, the resort introduces a fresh weekend ritual to mark the occasion: BAB's Brunch at Bait Al Bahr—a relaxed yet refined dining experience that captures the spirit of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and the serenity of coastal dining. Launching this summer, BAB's Brunch is served every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, inviting guests to unwind with spectacular cuisine and majestic panoramic views of the beach, all from the elegant indoor temperature-controlled setting of Bait Al Bahr. Perched along the resort's iconic lazy river, the venue offers one of Muscat's most breathtaking dining locations—where gentle waves and ocean breezes frame every bite. For the first time, Bait Al Bahr opens during the day to welcome brunch lovers with a shared-style concept comprising of a selection of appetisers, followed by live-grilled premium cuts (beef, lamb chops, chicken) , and the freshest seafood—including lobster, king prawns, octopus, and seasonal fish—are all served directly to the table, encouraging convivial dining and memorable moments alongside live entertainment. To complement this indulgent Saturday afternoon, free-flow beverages are included, and other premium options are also available. BAB's brunch starts from OMR 30 net per person, with complimentary beach and pool access included for brunch guests. Bait Al Bahr commonly known as BAB has long stood at the heart of Muscat's vibrant community, and this new offering brings together the spirit of coastal dining with the warmth of Omani hospitality—reimagined in a setting that blends a relaxed atmosphere with an elegant brunch.


Observer
7 days ago
- Observer
Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye
Muscat, June 3 The Sultanate of Oman launched its first tourist hot air balloon as part of the 'Oman Balloons' project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Türkiye, during the promotional phase of the project. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to develop and diversify the tourism product while enhancing Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, announced that the hot air balloon will arrive in Oman by September, with operations starting in October at Stars Gate Camp in Bidiyah. 'Our objective is to make Oman an attractive hot air balloon destination. We plan to participate in all the tourism festivals conducted in different governorates of Oman. We would also like to have a school to train hot air balloon riders. We will also be the agents for the Pasha Balloons to be represented in other GCC countries,' he said. Al Abri emphasised Oman's heritage, unique features, nature and tranquillity, noting that hot air balloon adds entertainment and adventure to the tourism experience. The project aims to bring international expertise in hot air balloon tourism to Oman, enhancing tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors. "Oman Balloon No 1" will begin flights from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore Oman's diverse tourism attractions from the sky. The hot air balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and is designed to withstand Omani weather conditions, with a capacity for up to 20 passengers and a technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for its role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This initiative showcases Oman's natural and cultural heritage from an innovative perspective, attracting a wider range of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.