‘Al Salam Al Maheeb’ brings Oman’s musical heritage to the orchestral stage

From the rhythmic calls of traditional Omani instruments to the sweeping harmonies of a symphony orchestra, Oman’s musical heritage took centre stage on Monday evening in a performance that celebrated the country’s cultural identity through the universal language of music.
Titled ‘Al Salam Al Maheeb’ (The Grand Salute), the national musical concert was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Oman Music Centre, under the supervision of the Directorate General of Arts, and in collaboration with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Held at the Madinat Al Irfan Theatre, the concert was held under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, and brought together 66 Omani musicians and singers.

Led by maestro Amir Awad Bashir Bait Mabrouk, the performance presented a musical dialogue between traditional Omani sounds and contemporary symphonic arrangements, demonstrating how the country’s rich musical heritage can evolve without losing its original character.
The orchestra brought together strings, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, accompanied by male and female choirs and solo vocalists. Particularly striking was the incorporation of traditional Omani instruments, including the surnaay, mizmar Abu Maqroon and qasaba, alongside traditional percussion. Their distinctive sounds blended with the orchestral arrangement, creating an experience that moved between the familiar rhythms of Oman’s coastal, mountain, Bedouin and rural communities.

The six principal compositions took audiences on a journey through different dimensions of Omani identity. The opening piece, ‘Al Salam Al Maheeb’, established a powerful and celebratory atmosphere, followed by ‘Al Surnaay’, which highlighted the expressive possibilities of the traditional instrument within an orchestral setting. ‘Al Habbout’ reimagined the traditional art form through contemporary arrangements, while ‘Spirit of Drizzle’ evoked the natural beauty and tropical landscapes associated with the khareef season.
The visual presentation further enriched the experience. Dazzling lighting, dominated by shades of orange and yellow, transformed the stage into a landscape reminiscent of Oman’s golden deserts and sunlit terrain, complementing the music’s connection to the country’s diverse natural environments.

Speaking after the performance, Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Oraba, Assistant Director-General of the Directorate General of Arts, said the concert reflected the depth of Oman’s musical legacy and the creative capabilities of its musicians.
He described the production as a message of peace and dialogue, noting that music was a language shared by people across the world. He also highlighted the importance of bringing traditional instruments into orchestral compositions, saying Oman’s musical arts had the potential to reach wider horizons through such creative integration.
For audience member Tasneem al Zadjali, from al Suwaiq, the evening was particularly meaningful. She expressed her delight at seeing a wide range of Omani musical traditions performed on a prestigious stage by accomplished national musicians.

She was especially pleased to recognise musical forms from her home region, including Al Midan, alongside the Liwa and Razha, describing the seamless blending of different traditions into beautiful compositions as one of the evening’s highlights.
Beyond its musical spectacle, ‘Al Salam Al Maheeb’ offered a reminder that heritage need not remain confined to the past. By bringing generations of musical traditions into conversation with contemporary orchestration, the concert celebrated the richness of Omani identity while presenting it in a form that can resonate with new audiences and future generations.