Thursday 12 / September / 2024
Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat unveiled its highly anticipated 2024/25 season on Sunday, 18 August, via their official YouTube channel.
The season is set to feature a diverse array of international talent, reaffirming the venue’s status as Oman’s leading cultural hub.
Among the highlights of the upcoming season is an extraordinary concert scheduled for 30 & 31 October 2024, starring one of India’s most revered classical musicians, Nishat Khan.
Nishat Khan, a master of the sitar, will lead the first half of this two-part concert. The sitar, known for its distinctive, lingering tones, is an instrument deeply rooted in Indian classical music, and Khan is among its foremost exponents.
Descended from seven generations of virtuosos, he has graced the world’s most prestigious stages, including a notable performance of his sitar symphony Gate of the Moon at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms in 2013. His accolades include a Radio Mirchi Music Award for ‘Song of the Year’ in 2019.
The concert’s second half will feature the European Philharmonia, conducted by Walter Proost, adding a rich symphonic layer to the evening’s offerings.
Khan’s illustrious career began at the tender age of seven. By sixteen, he was performing ragas at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, with the legendary Ravi Shankar in attendance.
His lineage traces back to the Mughal courts, with his father and mentor, Ustad Imrat Khan, serving as a lifelong inspiration.
Widely regarded as the fastest sitar player alive, Khan’s performances are known for their hypnotic intensity and emotional depth, often stretching for hours.
In addition to his classical roots, Khan has ventured into scoring Bollywood films and collaborating in the visual arts, notably with British artist Anish Kapoor.
His versatility as a musician has seen him share the stage with artists across various genres, from violinist Vanessa Mae to flamenco guitarist Paco Peña.
His explorations have extended into Gregorian chant, western classical music, and abstract jazz, collaborating with luminaries such as John McLaughlin, Philip Glass, Evelyn Glennie, and Django Bates.
Despite his forays into diverse musical territories, it is Khan’s profound connection to the North Indian classical tradition and his exceptional gift for improvisation that continue to solidify his reputation as a true maestro.
His upcoming performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat promises to be a spellbinding experience, showcasing the depth and breadth of his extraordinary talent. Book your tickets now on the Royal Opera House Muscat website or at the box office.
