Although Maria Callas died almost 50 years ago, her name is still able to draw in the crowds. One of the headline offerings of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s (ROHM) current opera season was a concert entitled “Homage to Maria Callas,” which drew an enthusiastic audience. Of course, the presence of the fabulous soprano Sonya Yoncheva and the veteran baritone Leo Nucci played no small part in making the concert such a special occasion, as did the fabulous opera house itself.
A Magnificent Building Gifted to the People by Sultan Qabus bin Said Even before entering its doors, one cannot help but be taken aback by the splendor of the building’s elegance, especially when lit by the fading light of early evening. Founded in 2011, the opera house is a majestic sight made of white Carrara marble with an imposing frontal façade of five large Arabic arches with a fort-like turret to either side. Yet, despite its magnificence, it possesses an understated, refined quality that exudes self-confidence and permanence.
Once inside, guests are met by a foyer leading into a spacious, airy entrance hall, in which the milling audience can circulate with ease; there is no sense of being crowded, and there are no queues to speak of. Seating between 800 and 1100 people, the auditorium possesses excellent acoustics and wonderful sight lines, and each seat has plenty of leg space. In other words, everything is designed to make the audience’s experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possi.
