Oman’s young pianist dreams of global stage
Published: 06:01 PM,Jan 24,2025 | EDITED : 12:01 PM,Jan 25,2025
Sulaiman al Fahdi playing a piano at a Muscat concert
At just 12 years old, Sulaiman al Fahdi has already made a name for himself as one of Oman’s most promising young pianists.
While many of his peers are immersed in gaming, Sulaiman is captivated by the timeless works of Bach, Chopin, Mozart and Azerbaijani composers Tofik Quliyev and Aziza Mustafa Zadeh. His prodigious talent and unyielding dedication have earned him accolades in prestigious competitions and the admiration of music enthusiasts across the Gulf.
“Sulaiman’s discipline sets him apart,” says Dr Saida Khalilova, his piano teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music & Art, Muscat. “Even during holidays, he never misses a lesson or an opportunity to practice. It’s this commitment that has propelled him to where he is today.”
Dr Saida, a seasoned music specialist, has mentored Sulaiman for three years, guiding his transition from in-person lessons in Muscat to online classes after his family relocated to Abu Dhabi.
Recognising his extraordinary potential early on, she accelerated his training, taking him from the ABRSM Grade 2 level to performing complex compositions like Chopin’s Nocturnes and Mozart’s Turkish March. “He’s just beginning,” she adds. “With his focus and resilience, I’m confident he will achieve remarkable success, not just in music but in life.”
Born in Dubai, Sulaiman’s musical journey began at the age of four when his parents enrolled him at Brooklyn Melodies, the best performing arts school and a renowned music academy. By seven, he had reached Grade 2 in the ABRSM programme and was a regular performer at school concerts and community events. His confidence and skill were evident even in these early stages.
In 2020, the family moved to Muscat, where Sulaiman’s talent blossomed under Dr Saida’s mentorship. Performances at venues like the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Crowne Plaza Muscat and the iconic Royal Opera House Muscat showcased his technical prowess and artistry. Each performance left audiences mesmerised, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2023 marked a new chapter in Sulaiman’s life. As a Grade 7 student at Amity International School, he was awarded a music scholarship and quickly became an integral part of the school’s cultural life, representing it in concerts and events. That same year, he competed in the Abu Dhabi Young Musician (ADYM) competition, standing out among the region’s best young talents.
“His ability to adapt and thrive in new environments is extraordinary,” remarks Dr Saida. “It’s a testament to his resilience and passion.”
Says Sulaiman, “I feel most alive when I’m playing the piano. It’s not just about practicing...it’s about expressing myself, exploring new pieces and challenging myself to improve every day. My dream is to perform on the biggest stages and make Oman proud.”
Currently, Sulaiman is preparing for the Grade 8 Trinity London College exams and the prestigious Vienna International Music Competition in August. He practices diligently at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Arts in Muscat via online sessions, honing his skills for future milestones. His dream? To one day grace the world’s grandest stages as Oman’s first globally acclaimed pianist.
Sulaiman’s parents, Khalid al Fahdi, a pilot examiner with Etihad Airlines and Shirin Alsatel, have been unwavering in their support. “We recognised his potential early and have always encouraged him to pursue his passion,” they say, beaming with pride.
As Sulaiman prepares for upcoming masterclasses and competitions, Dr Saida’s vision for him remains steadfast. “I see him becoming a celebrated name in the world of classical music. He has the talent, the discipline and the determination. The future holds endless possibilities for him.”
While many of his peers are immersed in gaming, Sulaiman is captivated by the timeless works of Bach, Chopin, Mozart and Azerbaijani composers Tofik Quliyev and Aziza Mustafa Zadeh. His prodigious talent and unyielding dedication have earned him accolades in prestigious competitions and the admiration of music enthusiasts across the Gulf.
“Sulaiman’s discipline sets him apart,” says Dr Saida Khalilova, his piano teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music & Art, Muscat. “Even during holidays, he never misses a lesson or an opportunity to practice. It’s this commitment that has propelled him to where he is today.”
Dr Saida, a seasoned music specialist, has mentored Sulaiman for three years, guiding his transition from in-person lessons in Muscat to online classes after his family relocated to Abu Dhabi.
Recognising his extraordinary potential early on, she accelerated his training, taking him from the ABRSM Grade 2 level to performing complex compositions like Chopin’s Nocturnes and Mozart’s Turkish March. “He’s just beginning,” she adds. “With his focus and resilience, I’m confident he will achieve remarkable success, not just in music but in life.”
Born in Dubai, Sulaiman’s musical journey began at the age of four when his parents enrolled him at Brooklyn Melodies, the best performing arts school and a renowned music academy. By seven, he had reached Grade 2 in the ABRSM programme and was a regular performer at school concerts and community events. His confidence and skill were evident even in these early stages.
In 2020, the family moved to Muscat, where Sulaiman’s talent blossomed under Dr Saida’s mentorship. Performances at venues like the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Crowne Plaza Muscat and the iconic Royal Opera House Muscat showcased his technical prowess and artistry. Each performance left audiences mesmerised, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2023 marked a new chapter in Sulaiman’s life. As a Grade 7 student at Amity International School, he was awarded a music scholarship and quickly became an integral part of the school’s cultural life, representing it in concerts and events. That same year, he competed in the Abu Dhabi Young Musician (ADYM) competition, standing out among the region’s best young talents.
“His ability to adapt and thrive in new environments is extraordinary,” remarks Dr Saida. “It’s a testament to his resilience and passion.”
Says Sulaiman, “I feel most alive when I’m playing the piano. It’s not just about practicing...it’s about expressing myself, exploring new pieces and challenging myself to improve every day. My dream is to perform on the biggest stages and make Oman proud.”
Currently, Sulaiman is preparing for the Grade 8 Trinity London College exams and the prestigious Vienna International Music Competition in August. He practices diligently at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Arts in Muscat via online sessions, honing his skills for future milestones. His dream? To one day grace the world’s grandest stages as Oman’s first globally acclaimed pianist.
Sulaiman’s parents, Khalid al Fahdi, a pilot examiner with Etihad Airlines and Shirin Alsatel, have been unwavering in their support. “We recognised his potential early and have always encouraged him to pursue his passion,” they say, beaming with pride.
As Sulaiman prepares for upcoming masterclasses and competitions, Dr Saida’s vision for him remains steadfast. “I see him becoming a celebrated name in the world of classical music. He has the talent, the discipline and the determination. The future holds endless possibilities for him.”