Royal Opera House Muscat Lineup for 2016/2017

T-Mag Thursday 14/July/2016 19:46 PM
By: Times News Service
Royal Opera House Muscat Lineup for 2016/2017

Arab Idol – 8th, Oct 2016
First on our list is a wildly popular new star. Mohammad Assaf arrived in Cairo for the Arab Idol contest in 2013 without registering, leaping over the wall of the venue and bursting into song in the lobby. Another contestant was so impressed that he gave him his place. The phenomenal young Palestinian singer won the 2013 Arab Idol contest and now is coming to Muscat to perform a show that combines the classical traditions of Arab and Western music, in his signature, high-energy style.

Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers - 11th & 13th, May 2017
In ancient Ceylon, two pearl fishers make a vow of eternal friendship, which soon is threatened by their love for an ethereally beautiful Brahma priestess. Thus begins Les Pêcheurs de Perles, a magnificent drama of love and longing by Georges Bizet, the famous composer of Carmen, which will be performed by the Opéra Royal de Liège in the last opera of the ROHM Season.

“And Now Mozart” - by Igudesman & Joo – 18th, Feb 2017
With YouTube clips getting over thirty-five million hits, Violinist Igudesman and pianist Joo have taken the world by storm with their hilarious act. They are so virtuosic that they can play classical music backwards and upside down; while talking, singing, or dancing; all without missing a beat. With clever humour, they create new excitement about a traditionally serious form of music.

South Africa - Music & Dance – 1st, Dec 2016
Stars in this electrifying show include Mahotella Queens, a talented group of female musicians who play Zulu-influenced music; legendary jazz trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, a pioneer of American-influenced African Jazz; as well as the award-winning singing Duo, Mafikizolo. The highlight of the show are the performances of Pantsula, a highly energetic dance that originated in the Black Townships during Apartheid. This free concert will take place in ROHM’s outdoor courtyard.

Mohammed Abdou, Artist of the Arabs – 26th & 27th, January 2017
The renowned Saudi Arabian singer, Mohammed Abdou gained prominence in the 1960s by mastering old Yemeni adwar (songs), a feat considered impossible for a young singer. Today, Abdou is one of the most popular singers in the Middle East, with three nominations in the 2014 World Music Awards, including Best Entertainer, and watching him soulfully sing to the strains of his oud, you’ll see why.

West Side Story – 23rd, 24th, & 25th, Feb 2017
Songs like “Maria, Maria! I just met a girl named Maria!” from this blockbuster musical about idealistic teenagers caught between warring street gangs on the West Side of New York in the 1950s, are almost as famous as the musical itself. But not quite, the film version won ten academy awards in 1962.

Romeo & Juliet – 29th, 30th Sept, & 1st, Oct 2016
The opening nights of a new season are always special and nothing could be more thrillingly romantic than the world’s favourite love story. In the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, the lead role is being brilliantly interpreted by the beautiful soprano, Nino Machaidz, who is known as the “Angelina Jolie of Opera”.

Giselle by the American Ballet Theatre — 6th, 7th & 8th, April 2017
Giselle is among the top three ballets of all time, and the American Ballet Theatre is one of the world’s greatest companies. With sets by Oscar-winning designer, Gianni Quaranta, this luminous production tells the story of Giselle, a village girl of astonishing beauty. When Giselle falls in love with a dashing nobleman, it is the beginning of a heartbreaking tragedy in which love is eventually transcendent.

The Four Seasons for Families — 1st, April 2017
Italy’s most popular chamber orchestra,I Solisti Veneti, will perform “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi in which four evocative violin concerti express the ‘personality’ of each season. To entertain children, sand-painting artist Shaima Al Mughairy will produce amazing images for each season to accompany the music.

The Opera! — 16th, 18th & 19th, March 2017
This ground-breaking co-production by ROHM and the Palau des Arts Valencia recounts the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice died the day she wed Orpheus, and as he carries his beloved back from Hades, they travel through great operas such as Turandot, and La Traviata. With the help of the deities, Orpheus will succeed in reclaiming Eurydice, but everything does not go as planned. The show, which brilliantly combines live performance and music with video, is utterly spectacular.