A Year of Artistic Triumph at ROHM

The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has firmly established itself as a cultural beacon in the region, renowned for its sold-out shows featuring international and regional artists. As ROHM gears up for the announcement of its new season, it is worth reflecting on the remarkable successes and artistic innovations that have defined the 2023–2024 season. In collaboration with Oman Observer, we delve into what makes ROHM an iconic venue and provide an exclusive preview of the most popular shows from the past season.

The 2023–2024 season, officially starting in October 2023 and resuming shortly after January, witnessed a record number of sold-out performances at ROHM. Among the top shows that captivated audiences, the Swan Lake acrobatic ballet by the Xi'An Acrobatic Troupe of China, the world-renowned percussion show Stomp!, and the performance by Lebanese oud player Marcel Khalife were standout hits in terms of ticket sales and attendance.

Since its grand opening in 2011, ROHM has played a pivotal role in positioning Oman at the heart of the global opera circuit. Like other prestigious institutions, such as the Royal Opera House in London and the MET in New York, ROHM has attracted artists who have performed at these iconic venues. Beyond being a premier destination for the performing arts, ROHM is also a centre of excellence for training and developing performing arts professionals, nurturing talent in Oman and beyond.

Beyond its main performances, ROHM offers audiences the chance to rediscover the venue through daily tours of the main theatre and the exceptional music exhibition, Oman and the World: A Musical Journey. Between June 2023 and May 2024, ROHM welcomed over 90,000 visitors across its daily tours and music exhibition, highlighting its role as a leading cultural and touristic attraction in Oman.

As the institution prepares to announce its upcoming season, major international shows and regional and local artists are expected to feature in the stellar lineup for 2024–25. The past season’s remarkable variety of performances and initiatives sets a high standard for what is to come.

One of the highlights of the season was ROHM's annual summer camp, themed around the Animal World. This initiative featured seven dynamic workshops that culminated in a spectacular performance titled Animal World: Wild on Stage! On July 4,. This year's camp, designed to inspire children through various musical and artistic disciplines, placed a strong emphasis on nature and the environment, offering a nurturing environment for young talents.

Eid Al Adha provided a splendid opportunity for visitors to discover Oman's cultural heritage at ROHM, which welcomed thousands of tourists eager to explore behind the scenes of the leading opera house in the region. ROHM's Oman and the World: A Musical Journey exhibition offered an immersive experience that invited visitors to dive into the art of sound and music, gaining insights into Oman's musical heritage and its global influences.

The grand finale of the 2023–24 season featured a spectacular performance by the Cairo Opera, with the theatrical dance of Scheherazade brought to life by the Cairo Opera's Modern Dance Company. This innovative production masterfully blended traditional and modern choreography, set to Rimsky-Korsakov’s timeless music.

Another significant performance was Puccini's La Bohème, presented at ROHM on May 16, 2024. This opera, known for its lush score and poignant storytelling, was brought to life with stirring performances and inspired direction, capturing the timeless beauty and poignancy of Puccini's masterpiece.

ROHM's dedication to enriching the global cultural landscape through creative collaboration was highlighted by HH Sayyid Dr. Kamil Fahad Al Said's visit to Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy. This meeting aimed to enhance collaborative ties and explore possibilities for developing specific projects, further solidifying ROHM's reputation as a cultural hub.

The 2023-2024 season also included Oman’s premiere of Cirkopolis, the critically acclaimed show by Cirque Éloize, which presented a breathtaking blend of circus arts, theatre, and dance. This season, ROHM continued to focus on diverse performances, especially those popular with young and family audiences, welcoming internationally acclaimed shows that captivated all age groups.

The season saw a fantastic lineup of family shows, including the acrobatic version of Swan Lake by the Xi’An Acrobatic Troupe of China and the world-famous theatrical percussion show Stomp! These performances, along with others such as the ballet classic La Fille Mal Gardée and the opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showcased ROHM's commitment to offering a diverse range of performances.

In addition to these performances, the Absolute Music series featured a one-hour recital by the Dutch-born Korean pianist Gile Bae, who captivated audiences with her mastery of Bach and Chopin. ROHM's Education and Outreach programme also offered workshops for piano students, highlighting the institution’s dedication to nurturing young talent.

The past season's achievements, including the performances by Trio Joubran and the visit by the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, underscore ROHM's commitment to bringing world-class performances to Oman. As ROHM prepares for its upcoming season, the anticipation is high for another year of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.

Looking ahead, as the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) prepares to unveil its 2024–2025 season, the Muscat audience can definitely look forward to an exciting and diverse lineup that promises to continue the tradition of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. With ROHM truly committed to pushing artistic boundaries and offering unique, immersive experiences that celebrate the universal language of the arts, the Muscat audience will look forward to fresh collaborations and premieres.