AN OMANI VIRTUOSO HITTING GLOBAL NOTES

IDRIS AL BALUSHI
Long before Juhaina al Balushi stepped under the lights of the Royal Opera House, music was already woven into the fabric of her childhood. Instruments surrounded her like familiar companions and her father and uncle recognised her talent early.
At just ten years old, she joined the orchestra training programme, where a cello teacher named Elizabeth suggested she try the violin. “When I began learning the violin, I immediately settled on it”, she recalls how naturally it felt in her hands.

Her musical education, however, was far from easy. Studying professionally demanded discipline and precision. She explains, “It was like learning a new language”. Music theory, technique and long practice hours pushed her limits, yet the challenges fuelled her determination. “It was a positive challenge, because you develop a skill you never imagined you would achieve”.
A defining milestone arrived when she joined the Oman Royal Symphony Orchestra. She credits the experience for shaping both her artistry and character. “Professionalism is not only about mastery”, she notes, “it is about respect, commitment and cooperation”. Every concert felt to her like “a new opportunity for artistic growth”, a chance to understand more about herself through the music she played.
Juhaina is very much in touch with music and her heart especially belongs to the Romantic era, namely the works of Johannes Brahms, whose emotional depth resonates deeply with her. “I love Brahms’ works because they carry a deep emotional quality”, she says. For Juhaina, understanding a piece means entering the composer’s world. “When you understand why the piece was written, it becomes a part of you. She believes a violinist’s role is to act as a bridge between the composer’s intentions and the listener’s emotions.

“The musician is the mediator between the music and the audience”, she explains. This requires emotional honesty, serious study and a willingness to feel the music. After all, beyond technique and performance, music is her emotional language. “Music helps me express my emotions in my own way”, she says. It allows her to say what she cannot put into words. Even with such a solid connection to music and an impressive mastery of working with instruments, stage fright remains part of her journey. “Until today, that feeling is still there”, she admits but manages it with deep breathing techniques before she steps onstage.
Her most treasured memories were the 2015 solo performance at the Royal Opera House on Omani Women’s Day, where she played a César Franck piece alongside pianist Jokha al Naabi. “It was a moment I will never forget”, she says. “The feeling of pride was huge after years of training and effort”.
Today, Juhaina is building a path that extends beyond Oman. She dreams of studying at Berklee College of Music and learn from diverse artists. She has a small studio at home where she records projects for companies, collaborates with composer Ahmed al Musawi on major works and works closely with Amin Raffi and Salah Sultan on contemporary productions.

Fundamentally, she is inspired by the evolution of the Omani music scene which has ‘begun to grow beautifully’ noting the rising awareness and diversity. She hopes to contribute to this progress by creating music that carries Omani identity into global spaces.
Her performances with Omar Khairat, Kadim al Sahir and Wayne Marshall, at the opening of Dubai’s Museum of the Future and at Expo Japan 2025 have affirmed her direction. “All these experiences made me feel that I am truly on the right path”, she says. Looking ahead with ambition and determination, Juhaina hopes to achieve substantial dreams such as playing at world-renowned venues like Carnegie Hall in New York.
Her advice to young Omani girls dreaming of the violin: “Start, even with a small step”. Those who chase fame will stop at a certain point, but those whose foundation is love and genuine passion will naturally reach stardom”.
Her message to Omani youth is simple: “Do not underestimate your simple tools. Don’t be afraid to start. Art doesn’t need many tools, it needs a believing heart and true passion”. And with every note she plays, Juhaina continues to rise, steady, radiant and unmistakably her own.