Yousuf al Foori gives young Omani talent a stage

Every weekend, parents make their way to Active Oman at the Oman Automobile Association, accompanied by children eagerly waiting for their turn to perform.
The young vocalists, aged between 10 and 18, are competing in the Explore Oman Talent Competition. For some, it may be their first opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in front of professional musicians.
Watching them is Yousuf al Foori, the master flautist behind the competition. Having performed around the world, he is now turning his attention towards finding and grooming young talent in Oman.
“It is very important to recognise the talent in a child, but the most important part is how to improve the talent further to make it shine,” said Yousuf.
For him, the mission is deeply personal. Long before the international performances and solo appearances, Yousuf was also a child whose musical ability was recognised and encouraged.

He began playing the flute at the age of 10, when he joined the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra in 1995 as part of its first group of students.
“We were the pioneers, the first batch of students. It was 1995. My first teacher, Aleste Hume, discovered the talent from a young age. I am grateful to my teacher. Most of the people we worked with were teachers and conductors,” he reflected.
Life in the orchestra immersed him in the world of music. Surrounded by teachers, conductors and fellow musicians, he was given the guidance needed to develop his talent.
His first solo performance came when he was just 15 years old, in front of two distinguished members of the audience.
“It is an unforgettable moment for me – performing in front of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” he recollected.
From there, Yousuf’s career took him to stages around the world and brought him numerous opportunities to perform as a soloist. Today, those experiences have shaped a new dream: to help young performers receive the same recognition and guidance that transformed his own life.
“My dream is to bring young talent to light to give them the exposure and to guide them the right way so they can reach their goal,” said Yousuf with optimism.

The response to the competition suggests that young performers are waiting for such opportunities. More than 60 vocalists turned up to demonstrate their abilities.
Ten contestants were selected during the first weekend, followed by another eight on August 7. A further eight young vocalists will be selected on August 14, bringing the total to 26.
From that group, 12 contestants will advance to the final on August 21, where they will compete for a first prize of RO500 and a second prize of RO300.
“Out of 26, 12 of the selected participants will head to the finals to compete for the title on August 21st. The winner will win RO 500 and the second winner RO 300. The response has been amazing. The parents’ support towards their children is inspiring,” Yousuf noted.
Joining him in evaluating the performers are Omani musicians Faisal al Shibli and Taj al Balushiya.

Faisal is a musician, composer and conductor known for blending orchestral music with authentic Omani elements. His arrangements bring traditional instruments such as the oud together with modern orchestration.
As a maestro and multi-instrumentalist, he has led live performances and contributed to cultural events, including national celebrations and theatrical productions. He also operates a professional studio where he composes, records and produces music while developing educational content for aspiring musicians.
“Through my work, I aim to bridge tradition and innovation, crafting a unique musical identity that reflects both heritage and contemporary artistry,” he said.
Taj is a pianist, theatre actress and choir trainer who graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a degree in musical sciences. She also holds a master’s degree in school administration.

Currently head of the school activities department at an international school, she brings together her experience in the arts, education and creative content as one of the competition’s judges.
Beyond the contestants taking the stage, the event has also attracted children who come to watch performers from their own age group. Their enthusiasm, Yousuf believes, demonstrates why young artists need spaces where they can be seen, encouraged and taken seriously.
“What is most inspiring is the response from children who are waiting enthusiastically to watch their own age group perform. The youth need a platform to showcase their talent, and here we are,” concluded Yousuf al Foori.
More than three decades after a teacher recognised his potential as a young flautist, Yousuf is now hoping to do the same for another generation.