Global landmarks go dark for Earth Hour
Iconic landmarks in cities around the world were plunged into darkness on Saturday night as millions marked Earth Hour.
The annual campaign by environmental NGO WWF is held to demand urgent action to address the climate crisis and to raise awareness of global environmental issues.
Cities go dark in symbolic show of support
In cities across Asia and Europe, a host of buildings switched off their lights in a symbolic demonstration of solidarity for the planet.
The Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge in Auckland, New Zealand were the first to go dark at 8:30pm local time (7:30am GMT).
Famous landmarks further east in Asia and Europe then joined in as the clock struck 8:30pm, including the Sydney Opera House, the Gardens by the Bay park in Singapore, Wat Arun temple in the Thai capital Bangkok, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the Colosseum in Rome and the London Eye in the UK.
"Every light turned off is a step towards a sustainable future," Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.
People who had gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in the German capital to mark the event sang songs such as "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armsrong or John Lennon's "Imagine."
What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour was launched in Australia in 2007, and has since grown into a worldwide annual event that sees entire city skylines and streets go dark to raise awareness of the climate crisis.
The campaign invites people to "give an hour for Earth, spending 60 minutes doing something — anything — positive for our planet," including planting trees and reducing energy consumption.
In a statement ahead of the 19th edition of the event, WWF International Director General Kirsten Schuijt said the campaign is a "powerful reminder of the urgency to act while we still can."
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Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Musical greenhorns celebrate Haydn, Mozart in Muscat
An exciting musical programme of 'children performing for children' was held at the Austrian Embassy to celebrate Haydn and Mozart in Oman last week. The overall offering by nimble fingers was a feast for the senses They came, they performed, they unleashed sheer magic… Eleven budding musicians in Oman displayed their prowess with musical instruments as they celebrated the immortal compositions of Austrian grand masters – Haydn and Mozart – via renditions that held a select audience at the Austrian embassy captive on the afternoon of May 16. The 'Spring Recital' programme was organised by Sarah Shanfari Topolska and the Embassy of Austria to promote budding musical talent and give her students a platform to perform to a live audience in Muscat. It comprised 16 renditions – some solo, some duo performances – by the participants who exhibited sheer mastery over their chosen musical pieces of the Austrian masters as well as a few of French, German, American, Canadian and English composers. 'I'd love for these concerts to take place more frequently, always under the name Musical Moments – children playing for children. I've already organised such concerts at the Opera Galleria, but recently it hasn't been easy to arrange. That's why I'm extremely grateful that the Austrian Embassy has agreed to host another one,' asserted Sarah, explaining further, 'It is truly amazing to organise these concerts for children and young people, to inspire them musically. This time, only my students performed, but the idea is open to all talented children and youth. Next time, other teachers will also be involved – and I'm really counting on that.' Celebrating Haydn and Mozart This year's theme was 'Musical Moments with Haydn and Mozart. Explaining the importance of celebrating the compositions of these legendary musicians, Sarah said, 'It is important to know about Haydn and Mozart – two musical superstars from Austria – because their contributions have shaped the very foundation of classical music. 'Joseph Haydn, often called the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet', helped define the structure of classical music and inspired generations of composers. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a true musical genius, amazed the world with his extraordinary talent from a very young age and composed over 600 works that continue to be performed and loved around the world. 'Learning about these composers not only connects us to Austria's rich cultural heritage, but also helps young musicians understand the roots of Western music, appreciate artistic excellence, and find inspiration in their creativity and dedication.' Sarah further asserted that since the concert was organized at the Austrian embassy, she considered it a wonderful opportunity to introduce young people to great Austrian composers. She chose Haydn and Mozart – two iconic figures from the Classical period -alongside other composers from the same era. 'The students were able to remember these two important names and the musical style they represent. This experience was not only educational but also deeply enriching for their musical development. It helped them understand the historical context of the music they are learning and playing, and it brought them closer to the roots of classical music,' Sarah said, adding, 'Moments like these are incredibly valuable, as they inspire young people and broaden their artistic horizons in a meaningful and lasting way.' The music scene in Oman, according to Sarah, is growing, with more interest in classical training, performance opportunities, and cultural exchange. There is a lot of untapped talent here and young musicians will play a very important role in shaping the country's musical future, she said, adding, 'with the right support, encouragement, and exposure, these young artists can contribute to a thriving cultural scene and inspire the next generation. They are the future ambassadors of Omani music and creativity.' In a message to young musicians in Oman, she said, 'Never stop nurturing your passion for music, even while focusing on your studies. Music and education can go hand in hand – it's all about balance and discipline. Music enriches your life, sharpens your mind, and builds confidence. Whether or not you pursue it professionally, the skills and joy you gain through music will benefit you in every part of life. Stay curious, stay committed, and surround yourself with inspiration.' Spring Recital Programme 1. Fahad Al Asfoor: 'Surprise' by Joseph Haydn 2. Rosha Fahim: 'Allegro in F' by W A Mozart 3. Teng Jiaxun (violin) & Yihao Zhang (piano accompaniment): 'German Dance' by Haydn 4. Xin Rui Peng: 'Polonaise' by Mozart 5. Ava Yavari (violin) & Xin RuiPeng (piano accompaniment): 'Allegretto' by Mozart 6. Joanna Dixie Shantham: 'Bourlesque' by W A Mozart; 'Musette' by Leopold Mozart 7. Omar Abouelenein (violin) & Yihao Zhang (piano accompaniment): 'Allegro' (First Movement from a Concerto) by Haydn 8. Ava Yavari: 'Minuet in C' by Alexander Reinagle 9. Yihao Zhang: Sonata in D Major, Second Movement by W A Mozart 10. Qinchen Li (violin) &Yuchen Li (piano accompaniment): 'Polonaise' by Mozart 11. Sophie Ceska: 'Morning Sunbeam' by Florence Price 12. Yihao Zhang: 'Liebestraum' by Franz Liszt 13. Lila Hathroubi: 'Angelfish' by Anne Crosby-Gaudet 14. Xin Rui Peng: 'Love Theme' by Kevin Olson Rollin 15. Joanna Dixie Shantham: 'Indigo Moon' by Elissa Milne 16. Teng Jiaxun (violin) & Joanna Dixie Shantham (piano accompaniment): 'Ave Maria' by Charles Gounod Creative challenges Sarah further points out: The challenge we face is that not enough attention is given to children and very young performers. My youngest participant last year was only four years old, and this year was six. Just imagine how inspiring that can be for other small children – it shows them that they too can play an instrument and be part of something beautiful. Concerts where children perform for other children are not just nice to have—they are essential. They should be supported, nurtured, and given a platform where more young musicians can benefit from this kind of experience. I truly believe that even in Muscat, a venue like a hall within the Royal Opera House would be a wonderful space for such concerts. I am more than happy to prepare and present these performances, but organising the right venue is often the most difficult part. It requires open-minded support and favourable conditions. I sincerely hope that someone will take the initiative to help make this possible in the future, so that more young children's ensembles and performances can take part in these valuable musical experiences. This kind of investment in young talent will have a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Oman. From this programme, you can see how many performers there were, I haven't even counted it yet, it should also be noted that the performers were only children, the children accompanied the concert completely on their own. We also tried to combine different forms of art, and the children who attended the concert had the opportunity to draw or paint whatever they liked or whatever inspired them from the performance. I believe that this kind of connection between music and visual art is also very important for the creative development of children.
Observer
05-05-2025
- Observer
Oman's creatives shine at the Book Fair
The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair has just concluded, with over 650,000 visitors having shared in the rich and vibrant atmosphere of the event, according to officials. The central theme 'Cultural Diversity as a Pathway to Unity' was truly reflected in the wide fare offered as well as the range of visitors who came from many parts of Oman and the world. What most significantly stood out in the book festival was the interest shown by young Omanis towards fiction, translation and educational books. The internationalisation of Omani literature is evident in author Ammar al Naaimi's works. 'Sarim', 'Hazim' and 'Mumeet' can be seen to be a trilogy inspired by the Harry Potter series but firmly rooted in the Omani Jinn tradition. His exploration of the power of choice in the individual's life combines deeper philosophical questions with racy narrative enjoyed by the Gen Zs. Interest in Omani fiction has resulted in the translation of Jokha al Harthi's 'Celestial Bodies' into 21 languages so far. Her other novels, 'The bitter orange tree' and 'Silken gazelles' have also been translated into English, receiving rave reviews. Dr Claudia Ott, the translator of 'Celestial Bodies' into German, was in fact visiting the fair this year and spoke at length about the depth of the novel and its capacity to break established stereotypes. Another translation on the anvil is Bushra Khalfan's 'Dilshaad'. Set in 20th century Muscat, the novel explores the everyday lives of Omani families, with the central character Dilshad, his daughter Maryam and grand daughter Fareeda. This award-winning novel now is being translated by Alice Guthrie. The novel is said to have been earlier translated into Persian. Translations of Omani fiction into English, German and French languages create opportunities for the dissemination of Omani culture into contexts where Oman still remains a mysterious country steeped in traditions. It gives access to readers to understand the nuances of Omani culture which go beyond the struggles of tradition and modernity. But Omani literature is not just being translated into western languages. The 2023 translation of Omani folktales into Malayalam, 'Omanile Nadodikathakal' is a continuation of attempts by Indian writers and researchers to bring Omani literature to an Indian reading public. The translation shares the rich folkloric tradition of Oman, with its legends and oral stories framed in morality, in a language that is closely associated with Oman in terms of historical cultural ties. The increasing interest of international readership in Omani literature is a sign that the rich body of work in Oman is reaching a global audience. There is a lot of potential for further translations as there is clearly a reading public which is curious about the intellectual and creative output of writers from this part of the world. Whether writing in English or Arabic, Omani writing has gained an international readership. The range of themes, the experiments in style and the exploration of its complex history make Omani literature a rich source of imaginative creativity. Wider dissemination of these works across international platforms will provide a larger audience and greater awareness of this untapped literary treasure.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Lady Gaga fans flock to Copacabana for free concert
American pop icon Lady Gaga is holding a free concert at the iconic Copacabana Beach in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. The show will be the biggest in the pop star's career so far. It was scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m. local time (0045 GMT Sunday). The beach and seafront were packed with fans hours before the concert was set to begin. "I got here at 7:40 this morning," 22-year-old Alisha Duarte told the AFP news agency. "So far, it's going well. It'll get more complicated tonight when it's going to get super crowded, but we'll survive — Lady Gaga is worth it!" Boosting economy through concerts Rio officials have a history of organizing huge concerts on Copacabana Beach. Last year, a show by Madonna on the same beach drew 1.6 million people from all over Brazil. The city expects a similarly huge turnout for the Lady Gaga event. The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity. Officials estimate the concert to inject about 600 million reais ($100 million, €88.5 million) into the local economy, nearly 30% more than last year's free Madonna concert. "It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season — filling hotels and increasing spending in bars, restaurants, and retail, generating jobs and income for the population," said Osmar Lima, the city's secretary of economic development, in a statement released by Rio City Hall's tourism department last month. Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028. Back in Brazil after over a decade About 3,300 military personnel, 1,500 police officers and 400 military firefighters have been deployed as part of the security arrangements for the Lady Gaga concert. They are also using drones as well as surveillance and facial recognition cameras. The 39-year-old singer, known for hits like "Bad Romance" and "Poker Face," last performed in Brazil in 2012. She was supposed to appear at the Rock in Rio festival in 2017 but had to cancel for health reasons.
