The Royal Opera House Muscat recently wrapped up its 2023/24 season with a week of spectacular performances featuring some of the world’s best opera stars. Memorable highlights included the ‘Homage to Maria Callas’ concert, which paid tribute to the legendary soprano with acclaimed opera singers Sonya Yoncheva and Leo Nucci, conducted by Leonardo Sini and accompanied by the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana. This special event left audiences spellbound and grateful for the opportunity to witness such incredible talent on the prestigious ROHM stage.
Following the Maria Callas tribute, audiences were treated to a captivating production of Giacomo Puccini’s ‘La Bohème,’ a timeless masterpiece directed by Jean-Louis Grinda of the Monte Carlo Opera and conducted by Leonardo Sini. Starring Mariangela Sicilia as Mimì, Liparit Avetisyan as Rodolfo, and Hasmik Torosyan as Musetta, this co-production between ROHM and the Monte Carlo Opera enchanted audiences once again with its enchanting love story set in Paris’s Latin quarter.
Director Jean-Louis Grinda expressed his excitement at collaborating once again with ROHM, stating that the production of La Bohème was created in Oman with great success in 2019, and he was thrilled to revisit it with a prestigious cast. The return of composer Leonardo Sini conducting the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana added an extra layer of brilliance to the performance, creating a truly moving experience for all in attendance.
The season’s final show will feature the Cairo Opera in a two-night representation of Scheherazade on May 23 and 24 at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts. Directed by Walid Aouni, this theatrical dance promises a fresh interpretation of the timeless tale from the Arabian Nights. Audience members are encouraged to visit the ROHM website, app, or contact the box office for reservations and further information about this unique and exciting event.
In a heartfelt video message, soprano Sonya Yoncheva expressed her joy at visiting Oman for the first time in her illustrious career and the honor of paying tribute to Maria Callas. This sentiment was echoed by attendees who were left mesmerized by the performances and grateful for the opportunity to witness such world-leading talent on the esteemed ROHM stage, solidifying the opera house’s reputation as a premier venue for opera and musical arts in the Middle East.
The collaboration between ROHM and the Monte Carlo Opera in producing La Bohème once again showcased the talent and artistry of both organizations, complemented by the masterful conducting of Leonardo Sini and the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana. This co-production enchanted audiences with its poignant story and outstanding cast, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to experience it live at the Royal Opera House Muscat.
As the curtain falls on another successful season at ROHM, audiences can look forward to the upcoming performance of Scheherazade by the Cairo Opera, promising a unique and dazzling interpretation of the classic tale. With a reputation for hosting world-class performances and top talent, the Royal Opera House Muscat continues to be a leading cultural destination in the region, delighting audiences with unforgettable experiences in opera and musical arts.
