The newly built state-of-the-art Royal Opera House Muscat (ROH Muscat), Sultanate of Oman, is delighted to announce its Grand Opening scheduled for this October, with unprecedented performances from 12 October to 31 December set to attract world attention.

Established by Royal Decree, ROH Muscat is an iconic building symbolizing the undivided attention His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has given to the Sultanate’s cultural development and prosperity. Construction is now complete and a program of world class performances, including a soft opening series from June to September, has already started with the June 6 concert by the Royal Oman Symphony.

The artistic program of ROH Muscat’s inaugural season will focus on opera productions, ballet performances, and music concerts. The production of two operas: “Turandot” and “Carmen”, has been specially commissioned and is owned by ROH Muscat. For the Grand Opening Day, the legendary Maestro Franco Zeffirelli will direct the production of Giacomo Puccini's last masterpiece, “Turandot”, featuring the Arena di Verona Orchestra, Chorus, and Ballet. Later, the world renowned Gianni Quaranta will direct George Bizet’s “Carmen” to be performed by the famous La Verdi Orchestra & Chorus.

The American Ballet Theater, accompanied by the world-renowned State Hermitage Orchestra, will make its first trip to the region to perform “Don Quixote”. Other exceptional and historic ballet performances include: “Giselle” by Teatro Alla Scala Ballet Company, accompanied by the Accademia alla Scala Orchestra; “Shim Chung – The Blindman’s Daughter” by the Universal Ballet of Korea; and the popular “Swan Lake” by the Mariinsky Ballet accompanied by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra.

Music concerts will feature Maestro Plácido Domingo and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, with the participation of the gracious dancer Nuria Pomares; the renowned soprano Renée Fleming and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; and the world’s greatest living cello player Yo- Yo Ma with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to the artistic content, the program of the inaugural season will also include intellectual exchanges that will highlight the importance of dialogue and candid debate among arts and culture stakeholders. In collaboration with The Aspen Institute, the ROH Muscat – Aspen Creative Arts World Summit will be organized under the theme of Arts in Motion.