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Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
A marvellous taste of La Traviata to come at ROHM next week
This month's lunch music in the Opera Galleria – the final for this season – was a delightful romp through the well-known songs of Verdi's 'La Traviata', inspired by Alexandre Dumas' 'La Dame aux Camélias'. The Royal Opera House Muscat Outreach team is hosting a series of pre-performance events this week to deepen understanding of the music and narrative of Giuseppe Verdi's iconic opera. Saturday's performance marked the first of these events. This free lunchtime recital featured just three understudies from Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova as soloists, providing a genuine treat for all in attendance. The occasion was further enhanced by a stunning black dress created by Omani fashion design student Nehal Al-Khizairi, who secured second place in the ROHM 'Violetta Project' Costume Sketch Competition. The dress was modelled by soprano Ana Oniani with flair. A marvellous taste of La Traviata to come at ROHM next week Celebrating Verdi's beloved score, one could not overlook the hearty rendition of the drinking song 'Brindisi'. To underscore the spirit of the celebration, Richoux Café provided both singers and the audience with glasses of juice to toast the occasion. Tenor Dario Prola emerged from the back of the atrium, delivering a robust introduction as Alfredo, harmonising with Ana Oniani's sweet soprano and the chorus—four men and one soprano—at the front with their rousing refrain. The love song 'Un di, felice, eterea' (one day, happy, ethereal) was movingly performed by Prola as Alfredo in a sincere declaration of love, the melody serving as a delicate theme throughout the opera. Ana, portraying Violetta, responded with youthful innocence in an amusing encounter, later blending their voices in a passionate duet. A marvellous taste of La Traviata to come at ROHM next week Ana followed with the extended 'E strano... Follie... Sempre Libera,' showcasing dark, brooding colours in her voice alongside tender lyricism. She sang of her beating heart, echoing Alfredo's theme, demonstrating the impressive versatility and range of her voice. The 'La Follie' section displayed her remarkable coloratura technique, transitioning into an amused, jovial quality. Alfredo's voice, almost mocking as it drifted from the gallery, was met with Ana's regained composure and light, playful tone. A striking contrast was provided by South Korean Byung Jun's rich, warm baritone as Violetta's father, Germont. In 'Pura siccome un Angelo' (Yes, God gave me a daughter, pure as an angel), he extolled her beauty and youth with clear enunciation, imploring her to forsake Alfredo and return home. An emotional dialogue ensued between Ana and Jun, infused with anguish, yet their still posture lent a chilling dramatic intensity. A marvellous taste of La Traviata to come at ROHM next week Later, Jun exhibited his confident stage presence in Germont's famous 'Di Provenza del mar' (Of Provence the sea, the soil that erased from your heart). An unaccompanied section near the end was beautifully poised and well placed. Joyously, this was followed by the quintet presenting a rousing 'Coro di Zingarelle e Mattadori'. Two dancers from the Antonio Gades Company, Alvaro Madrid and Elena Ros, took centre stage as the gypsy and the matador, captivating the audience with their exquisite flamenco moves. Returning to the drama, Ana Oniani's recitative in 'Addio del passato' was half spoken through plaintive tears, leading into the slow Aria she delivered with restrained sadness. Her acting skill matches her vocal range in versatility. Violetta and Alfredo dream of far-off Paris in 'Parigi o cara', a heartfelt duet which melted listeners' hearts. Prola's strong tenor complemented Ana's lyrical agility, leading to a perfectly matched acapella conclusion. A marvellous taste of La Traviata to come at ROHM next week Violetta's final Aria, 'E' – Cessarono gli spasimi' (Strange; the painful spasms have ceased), was swift yet dramatic in her high tessitura, as she died in Alfredo's arms. There could be no better encore for this splendid matinée than a reprise of 'Brindisi'. Pianist Andrea Dindo returned to the Yamaha Grand after an hour of continuous accompaniment, and all took a well-earned bow. The event concluded with an opportunity to join 'Violetta and her friends' for lunch, courtesy of the generous invitation from Richoux Café, complimentary for ten lucky early birds. By Georgina Benison Photos Khalid al Busaidi
Muscat Daily
25-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Shama Perfumes unveils second location at Mall of Oman
Muscat – Shama Perfumes, the heritage fragrance house renowned for its deep-rooted legacy and commitment to olfactory artistry, proudly announces the opening of its second location in Muscat – an exquisite pop-up booth located at the main atrium of Mall of Oman. This new presence marks a significant step in the brand's expansion across the GCC, reaffirming its deep ties with the Omani market and clientele. Building on the success of its flagship boutique at Opera Galleria, the new Shama pop-up experience is designed as a sensory sanctuary inviting patrons on a journey of refined perfumery. Visitors to the pop-up will be enveloped in a captivating blend of Khashab Al Oud, Dehan Al Oud, Attars, Mukhallats, Oud Ma'attar, Perfume Sprays, and bespoke gifting selections – each product reflecting the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and excellence. As part of its Ramadan activations, Shama Perfumes is offering an exclusive experience across both locations. Customers will be treated to a professional gift-wrapping service designed to elevate the art of gifting during the Holy Month. Adding a personalized touch, a traditional calligrapher will be present to write heartfelt messages and names onto perfume boxes, transforming each fragrance into a cherished keepsake at Mall of Oman. That's not all, the brand is hosting a special 'chai' station at its Opera Galleria boutique. Speaking on this milestone, Salman Shama, CEO of Shama Perfumes, commented: 'The launch of our Mall of Oman pop-up is a symbol of our continued commitment to the discerning patrons of Oman. We are proud to bring our legacy closer to the community and create immersive experiences that combine luxury with tradition. Our Ramadan activations are designed to evoke emotion, personal connection, and warmth – values that have always been central to the Shama Perfumes story.' Sarah Shaikh, Brand Director at Shama Perfumes, added: 'At Shama, every element – from fragrance to presentation – is thoughtfully curated to tell a story. The new pop-up is a reflection of our desire to bring this narrative closer to our audience in more accessible and engaging ways.' From an opulent scent library at Opera Galleria to the evocative displays at Mall of Oman, Shama Perfumes continues to blend heritage with innovation, offering customers a world-class olfactory journey steeped in legacy, culture, and timeless beauty. Founded in 1977 in Mumbai in India by Umar J. Shama, Shama Perfumes began with a vision to offer exquisite scents and products to a discerning clientele, the brand has evolved under the visionary leadership of Salim Shama, who established Shama's global headquarters in Dubai in 2017. With a reputation built on quality and legacy, and guided by its CEO Salman Shama, the brand now reaches fragrance connoisseurs across India, UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
Observer
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
'Emerging Talents' initiative at ROHM
February continued at the Royal Opera House Muscat with the 'Emerging Talents' initiative, which focuses on fostering young musicians and providing them with valuable learning experiences. A major highlight of the programme was the world-renowned baritone Thomas Hampson, who led a series of masterclasses for aspiring musicians in Muscat. These sessions offered in-depth demonstrations into vocal technique, performance practices and artistic growth. Included were 2 Omani opera singers in the masterclass out of 8 total. Hampson performed a special concert at the Opera Galleria, providing both the public and participating musicians with the rare opportunity to hear him in an intimate setting.
