The open-air courtyard of the Royal Opera House Muscat was transformed into a vivid tapestry of sound, precision, and culture as thousands gathered for the annual three-day military music extravaganza, 'Oman and the World', which began on Thursday as part of the National Day celebrations.
Under the auspices of Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office, the event brought together top-tier Omani military ensembles alongside performers from Slovakia and Armenia. Over three days, the festival bridged military discipline with artistic expression, combining crisp ceremonial drills, intricate massed drumming, and traditional folk dancing.
A Powerful Omani Presence
The showcase kicked off with the ceremonial entrance of the Honour Guard and the Royal Army of Oman band, moving to the patriotic rhythm of Beladi, composed and arranged by Saif al Jamoudi. The atmosphere heightened as joint ensembles delivered Vision of Oman, a grandiose fanfare piece crafted by Leif Sandstrup, followed by thematic performances of Muttrah Castle and highlights from the Military Opera.
Oman displayed the full depth of its musical heritage and military tradition. Formations representing the Royal Guard, Royal Army of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, and Royal Oman Police marched alongside the Royal Cavalry, the Royal Camel Corps, the Scout Band, and the Royal Army of Oman’s Infantry Drill Team.
Dressed in striking regalia, the units blended traditional Scottish-influenced bagpipe marches—including classics like The Black Bear and Highland Laddie — with rhythmic brass and percussion. High-energy solos featured heavily, notably Victor López’s jazz-infused Papi and Hassan Thani’s Art of the Drum, a crowd-pleasing feature that put collective drumming and complex cadence on centre stage.
Slovakia and Armenia
Visiting international delegations brought distinct regional flavours to the Muscat stage. Slovakia delivered a spirited programme led by the Ministry of Interior Band in collaboration with the Kľak Folk Dance Group. Their performance effortlessly balanced military ceremonial tunes with lively folk dances, featuring pieces such as Otto Martin Schwarz’s Fanfare of Generations, Jaromír Vejvoda’s iconic Beer Barrel Polka, and the traditional dance Tancuj, Tancuj (Dance, Dance). The crowd also enjoyed a performance by the joint percussion ensemble "A.B.T.", who showcased the popular drum piece Teach Me How to Drum.
Armenia offered a rich visual and auditory performance. The Brass Band of the Police Guard paired up with the Sardarapat State Dance Ensemble from the Armed Forces Song and Dance Ensemble. Their repertoire moved smoothly from celebratory brass compositions like Edgar Hovhannisyan’s Erebuni Yerevan and Ara Gevorgyan’s Artashat to traditional choreography, highlighted by the energetic Armenian Berd dance and Aram Khachaturian’s fiery Lézginha. The ensemble paid tribute to popular songcraft with Charles Aznavour’s I Saw Myself as a Star.
Grand Finale Celebrates National Pride
The festival reached its peak in a grand finale as all international and host bands assembled together on the parade ground.
Massed brass and pipe bands executed unified renditions of Beside the Forest, Darrol Barry’s march The Spirit, and Al Bawasil (The Brave Ones), co-composed by Sandstrup and Thani. Vocal and instrumental selections, including Ziad al Harbi’s Sukkar Qalam, added a celebratory touch in honour of Oman's national season.
Following the solemn playing of Oman's national anthem, the participating units marched off the field to the melodies of Sands of Time, bringing the three-day celebration of international friendship and musical heritage to an inspiring close. Held as part of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s annual calendar, the festival remains one of the Sultanate of Oman's most cherished cultural events.
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