Latest news with #UmbertoFanni
Times of Oman
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Audiences applaud spectacular performance of 1001 Nights at the Royal Opera House Muscat
Muscat – The Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Ballet in Vladivostok delivered a stunning performance of 1001 Nights at the Royal Opera House Muscat, captivating the audience with a spectacular fusion of dance, music, and storytelling. The performance was met with overwhelming applause, as the audience marvelled at the exquisite choreography and the vibrant depiction of timeless tales. Director General Umberto Fanni expressed his delight after the performance, stating, 'It is an absolute honour to host such a magnificent company here at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Seeing so many people come together to experience the magic of 1001 Nights is truly a pleasure, and we are proud to have brought this spectacular production to life on our stage. It's a perfect example of the power of art to connect, inspire, and move audiences.' February continued at the opera house with the Emerging Talents initiative which saw the world-famous baritone Thomas Hampson delivering masterclasses to young musicians in Muscat, performing a lunchtime concert at the Opera Galleria, and a final formal evening concert at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts on Sunday 9th February with the Muscat Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Opera Choir Group. Two further concerts are yet to come in this busy and spectacular month. On Thursday 13 February, the annual Pipe Organ Concert will mean a packed auditorium once again. With acclaimed organist Claudio Astronio, the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, Gianluca Marciano on the podium, the children's choir of Piccolo Cantori di Torino, and the choirs of Cheltenham Muscat and Downe House Muscat Schools, this will be a rich and enthralling concert. Tickets are available via the website. To close the month on 15 and 20 February, two unique concerts celebrating the legendary Arab musician, Mohammed Abdul Wahab, will take place alongside a programme of exciting outreach events, talks, lectures and a wonderful exhibition. A full schedule of these activities can be found on our website.
Times of Oman
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Open Doors - ROHM's outreach initiative for disadvantaged people
Muscat: While Royal Opera House Muscat is known for its exceptional programme of world- class performances including classical music, Arabic music, opera, and ballet, it also strives to enrich lives through diverse artistic, cultural and educational programmes. With Open Doors, the exceptional community outreach project that began this season, ROHM has created a bridge that aims to strengthen inclusivity and engagement in cultural and artistic activities outside the doors of the opera house. Open Doors closed 2024 with a profound impact, reaching into the heart of two special communities for whom the experience was extraordinary. Following on from Desert Bridges, a collaborative concert between Swiss and Omani musicians, which was performed in a Welfare Home in Al Rustaq in December, Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana performed a concert at the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability. Umberto Fanni, Director General of Royal Opera House Muscat stressed the importance of such initiatives saying, 'Alongside the founding vision of the opera house to provide an enriching season of music at the opera house and to create lasting cultural partnerships around the world, we have always placed initiatives which connect with the community at the centre of the season's activities and programme. Bringing performances to our communities, no matter what their situation is, is a fundamental tenet of all cultural institutions. By throwing the doors open in this way, we can endeavour to make a real difference to people's lives. In 2024, we found new outlets for our Open Doors initiative, in what we hope to be a true collaboration between institutions that demonstrates the infinite value of art and culture to all'. Sabah Al Bahlani, CEO of Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability, was happy to express the positive impact this initiative. 'We are truly grateful to Royal Opera House Muscat for the Open Doors initiative, which brought the magic of music and creativity to our children. The performance and workshop by the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra were not only inspiring but also provided a unique opportunity for the children to connect with art in a meaningful way. Experiences like these play a significant role in fostering joy, confidence, and inclusion for children with disabilities, and we look forward to future collaborations that continue to create lasting memories.'
