There are certain places that leave a lasting impression on you when you travel. The Royal Opera House Muscat is one of them. During the day, it offers a breathtaking setting for a stroll and a fascinating visit for lovers of the musical arts. At night, it transports you with the beauty of its stone and marble shimmering under the lights, revealing the refinement and elegance of Arab architecture.
Although I was unfortunately unable to attend one of the many performances held there, I did have the opportunity to visit and see for myself that it is now a venue for a great many international opera productions.
Located in the Shati Al-Qurum district, this imposing building was designed at the request of Sultan Qaboos, may God have mercy on him, who commissioned its construction in 2001. It was inaugurated on 12 October 2011 with a performance of Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. The production was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and the orchestra was conducted by the Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.
The father of the modern Omani state was known to be an organist and a lutenist. Passionate about music, he embarked on this project in the tradition of Italian opera, while remaining faithful to the architecture of the Arab world.
The first opera house in the Gulf countries, the Royal Opera House Muscat can accommodate up to 1,100 spectators. Its auditorium has the distinctive feature of being adaptable: the stage and acoustics can be adjusted to suit different performances. It therefore hosts operas as well as concerts and other productions.
Among the wonders to be discovered there is also an impressive pipe organ. Made in Germany by Klais Orgelbau, this instrument has more than 4,000 pipes and weighs around 50 tonnes. Despite its size, it can be moved within the stage area, making it both a musical and an engineering achievement.
Beyond this architectural gem, it is also pleasant to stroll around the surrounding area, enjoying both the shops and the restaurants next to it.
Photo gallery
Discover photographs from this visit.
© Croissant & Karak — Text and photographs by Faustine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse requires prior permission, subject to exceptions provided by law.