Muscat – Presented by the prestigious China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) from Beijing, the opera was staged on October 3 and 5, featuring an impressive lineup of world-class artists, many of whom made their first appearance at ROHM.

The cast included renowned performers such as Elena Stikhina, Piotr Beczała, Liao Changyong, Agnieszka Rehlis, and Enkeleda Kamani, all under the expert direction of acclaimed creative director Hugo de Ana. Maestro Giampaolo Bisanti conducted the Orchestra della Fondazione del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, bringing Verdi’s masterpiece to life with remarkable artistry and delivering an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Guests were welcomed on a glamorous red carpet and treated to a dazzling light display, setting the tone for an exceptional evening. In keeping with the opera’s theme, bespoke masks were distributed to attendees, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the atmosphere of Un Ballo in Maschera.
In addition to the opera, the NCPA presented A Musical Night from China on Friday, October 4.

Conducted by Lü Jia, Artistic Director of Music and Music Director of the NCPA Orchestra, the concert featured the NCPA Chorus and soloists, offering a beautiful showcase of musical talent and further strengthening cultural ties between Oman and China.

Umberto Fanni, Director General and Artistic Director of ROHM, expressed his pride in the season’s launch, stating, “It is an honour to present Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera in Muscat for the first time, brought to life by the China National Centre for the Performing Arts as the opening of our 2024/25 season. This remarkable collaboration between ROHM and NCPA is a testament to the powerful role that cultural institutions play in fostering mutual understanding through the universal language of art. It will remain a memorable evening and one of the highlights of our season.”

As the season continues, excitement is building for upcoming performances. Tickets are already selling fast for the Omani Women’s Day celebration on October 17, featuring the legendary Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi and the inspirational Al Nour Wal Amal Ladies’ Orchestra, the world’s only orchestra of blind musicians. El Roumi will perform two additional concerts on October 18 and 19, showcasing her beloved songs.

Later in the month, sitar virtuoso Nishat Khan will perform with the European Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Walter Proost, for the original sitar symphony ‘Gate of the Moon’ on October 30 and 31.
Additionally, ROHM will host a range of educational and outreach events, including a performance by world-famous soprano Joyce El Khoury, pianist Serouj Kradjian, and a Lebanese ensemble on October 21, blending French and Arabic songs in a refined ‘salon music’ experience.