Muscat: The pricing for the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) shows has been lowered to widen the reach of world-class performances in Oman.
"The lowest single ticket price for family concerts has been dropped to three Omani riyals and tickets for all other concerts will start at just five riyals," Sayyid Kamil Al Saeed, a Board Member at the ROHM, told a media briefing while announcing the new season on Tuesday.
He also added that there would be several other special packages on offer. "This house (ROHM) is for all Omani citizens to enjoy."
He also announced that the ROHM will continue its tied up with the Washington-based John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He also revealed that a five-year education plan was in place to train young Omanis.
"Investing in the next generation of artists and audiences is critical to the long-term sustainability of this vision (ROHM) and that investment starts this season," he said.
Announcing special education and outreach events at the ROHM, Sayid Kamil urged all Omanis to participate.
He said that due to heavy demand it had been decided to extend the season to the end of April. "We will soon announce the additional events to be held in April."
"In the last three months, the vision that gave rise to this institution - to be a gateway for global dialogue and exchange through the arts - has begun to materialise through concrete action," the board member pointed out.
He revealed that the ROHM saw audiences come from Muscat and throughout Oman, the GCC region, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. "We were gratified to see so many Omanis join us to welcome some of the most esteemed names in the performing arts worldwide," he enthused.
"The diversity of the performances so far- and the audiences that attended them - reflects the curiosity, openness, and refinement of our nation," he said.
In the first three months the ROHM has produced two new operatic productions - Zeffirelli's Turandot and Quaranta's Carmen - that will remain part of the Opera House and its repertory for generations to come.
A fusion show of Japanese and Omani music, involving Arabic musical instrument Oud, is expected to be a highlight of the new season starting on January 16.
"We are committed to educating and involving our community in its programming events. We are focusing on developing ties with various local and international art institutions and organizations to further our initiatives that will impact our society," said Dr. Nasser Al Taee, Director of Education of Outreachat the ROHM.
He added that open house events, tours, and performance talks will bring audience closer to the action on stage and behind the scenes.
Group and package tickets go on sale from January 1 and single tickets from January 4.
