Lavish operas, eclectic concerts and a tribute to an influential Arabic music composer are part of the new season of the Royal Opera House Muscat. Running from October to May, the programme features more than 50 events with artists from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The big names include popular Lebanese singers Majida El Roumi and Ragheb Alama, as well as the large productions of classic operas La Traviata and Un Ballo in Maschera by Giuseppe Verdi as well as La Fille du Regiment by Gaetano Donizetti. Family-friendly shows include Beauty and the Beast on Ice and opera Robin Hood. Here are the highlights.
The operas
The new season opens with a vigorous take on Verdi's 19th-century opera Un Ballo in Maschera, also known as The Masked Ball. Russian soprano Elena Stikhina and Polish tenor Piotr Bezcala head an international production staged by Argentine director Hugo de Ana and accompanied by China’s National Centre for Performing Arts Beijing. Known for its dramatic composition and the timeless aria Eri Tu, Un Ballo in Maschera runs from October 3 to 5.
That passion and melodrama will make way for some mischief and comedy with Opera Monte Carlo’s production of Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment on December 5 and 7.
Power and politics are explored in another Verdi opera, Simon Boccanegra, performed by Russia's Mariinsky Orchestra and Chorus. Under the baton of influential conductor Valery Gergiev, the production takes place on January 23 and 25.
Younger audiences are in for a treat with the family opera Robin Hood on April 18 and 19. Created by modern Italian composer Michele Dall’Ongaro, it will be staged by Italy’s Petruzzelli Theatre Foundation.
The season’s final opera sees the revered tenor Placido Domingo returning to the Royal Opera House Muscat, this time to conduct a version of Verdi’s La Traviata led by opera stars Yusif Eyvazov and Juliana Grigoryan. Taking place on May 1 and 3, the production also features the orchestra and chorus of Italy’s Teatro Carlo Felice.
The Arab stars
Ever since launching in 2011, the Royal Opera House Muscat has provided opportunities to see some of the Arab world’s biggest musical acts perform in a relatively intimate and refined setting.
The new season is no different with Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi headlining an Omani Women’s Day Concert on October 17 along with Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, an Egyptian all-blind female ensemble.
El Roumi will then return with her own backing band and orchestra for two more concerts on October 18 and 19. Emirati star Ahlam will also perform at the opera house on November 14.
The life and music of 20th century Egyptian composer Mohamed Abdul Wahab will be celebrated in two shows on February 15 and 20 with guest artists soon to be announced, while Lebanese crooner Rageb Alama will close the performance season with two shows on May 23 and 25.
Classical music and ballets
A world premiere will also take place in Muscat.
Commissioned by the opera house, Spain’s Antonio Andrade Flamenco Company will present Memories of Alhambra on May 8 and 9. The dance show celebrates the cultural links between the Arab world and Andalusia with choreography influenced by Arabic, Berber, gipsy and Iberian music and traditions.
Some of those musical cues will also be heard in the retelling of Fikret Amirov’s ballet, One Thousand and One Nights by Russia’s Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre on February 6 and 7. The original 1979 production by the Azerbaijani composer is renowned for infusing the Levant and North African musical elements into a rich score inspired by Amirov’s past concert tours of the region.
The best and brightest talents from China’s classical music scene will also be on display at a concert called A Musical Night from China on October 4. The event features soloists and the choir from the National Centre for Performing Arts Beijing, including star baritone Liao Changyong.
Other concerts and world music
The opera house’s well-regarded jazz programming continues with the regional debut of pianist Anthony Strong on November 28 and 29. Known as the “English Gentleman”, Strong will be joined by the Latvian Radio Big Band for a set of solo songs, as well as jazz standards by Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Indian master sitarist Nishat Khan will also make his Omani debut on October 30 and 31 with the European Philharmonic Orchestra.
One of the great voices of Fado music, Cristina Branco, will showcase the passionate storytelling of the Portuguese genre on November 5.
Something for everyone
The Royal Opera House Muscat also has several family-friendly events. Beauty and the Beast On Ice, from January 2 to 4, will feature ice skaters, contortionists, fire breathers and acrobats.
The Folk Music Festival, an annual event celebrating the music and instruments inherent in Omani culture and traditions – and those of guest nations Bulgaria, South Korea, and Paraguay – will also return on January 16 and 17.
The season will also celebrate the music of Yemen. Taking place on April 24 and 25, Traditional Symphonies: A Journey through Yemeni Music aims to be an enchanting evening of local folk music and poetry.
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Celtic Prince, David Liska (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer).
7.05pm: Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
7.40pm: Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Grand Argentier, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
Winner: Arch Gold, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
9.25pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Ibn Malik, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
10pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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RESULTS
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
WHAT%20START-UPS%20IS%20VISA%20SEEKING%3F
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEnablers%20of%20digital%20services%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Crowdfunding%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking-as-a-service%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking%20identification%20number%20sponsors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Issuers%2Fprocessors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Programme%20managers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDigital%20issuance%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Alternative%20lending%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Personal%20financial%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20transfer%20and%20remittance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20banking%20(neo%20banks)%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20wallets%2C%20peer-to-peer%20and%20transfers%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Employee%20benefits%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Payables%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Corporate%20cards%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue-add%20for%20merchants%2Fconsumers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Data%20and%20analytics%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20ID%2C%20authentication%20and%20security%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Insurance%20technology%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Loyalty%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Merchant%20services%20and%20tools%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Process%20and%20payment%20infrastructure%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Retail%20technology%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESME%20recovery%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20movement%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Acceptance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Brand%20management%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENew%20categories%20for%202023%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Sustainable%20FinTechs%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Urban%20mobility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
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What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
