THE ROYAL OMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

In 1985, His Majesty the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour (1940 – 2020) had a dream: to establish a professional orchestra made entirely of Omani nationals. This brilliant idea was born of his passionate and inspiring commitment to his people and from his belief that music would serve as a vehicle for the promotion of peace, tolerance, and international cooperation.

THE CREATION OF THE ROYAL OMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The realization of his vision for the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) began in 1985, meaning that in 2020, ROSO celebrated its 35^th anniversary. Under the direct supervision of His Majesty, young students were first assessed for a basic aptitude for understanding and appreciating the elements of melody, harmony and rhythm in music. Under the guidance of the Royal Guard of Oman, young musicians who met the required criteria were then immersed in intensive studies of Western music. Theory lessons were followed with practical instruction; musicians were matched with instruments according to their aptitude and interest. In a process embraced with immense enthusiasm and a mood of celebration by the young students, they embarked on a relationship with music and instruments which would shape their lives. There was no denying that these students were being given an incredible opportunity to be part of a truly significant moment in the history of their country, one that would leave a legacy for future musicians of Oman and the nation as a whole to be proud of. The regular training they received was delivered on the campus of the palace in Seeb, on the outskirts of Muscat. Early students of the orchestra recall that it was not uncommon for His Majesty to appear during rehearsals to express his delight in their progress and to praise the students.

AN ORCHESTRA OF AMBASSADORS

On the 1^st July 1987, under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour, ROSO performed its inaugural concert in the auditorium at the Al Bustan Palace. ROSO began to spread its wings with performances in prestigious venues across the UAE, Belgium, Germany and France. Since this time the orchestra has performed hundreds of concerts. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2005, the orchestra performed in Berlin under the baton of the acclaimed British conductor Simon Wright, with the internationally renowned Indian violinist L. Subramaniam and the famed Lebanese oud player, Marcel Khalife.

As a touring orchestra covering the region and Europe, ROSO serves as a bridge between East and West, performing to an international standard on a world stage. Their performances often feature the signature Omani fragrance of frankincense, the ladies of the orchestra perform in the national dress designed in the red and green colours of Oman's flag with traditional gold headpieces set on their foreheads. Both the appearance and performance offered by the orchestra demonstrate the richness of the nation of Oman and the people of Oman, entrusting them with the additional role as ambassadors of their country. With a range which includes improvisation in taqasim (melodic progression) and raga scales to the strict rules of Western counterpoint, they exhibit advanced techniques and fine musicianship. Their repertoire spans many different genres of music.

THE ROYAL OMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FIRST VIOLINS

Johyda Al Jahdamiya**

Safia Al Busaidiya*

Soaad Al Balushiya

Mohammed Al Breiki

Abdulwadood Al Daoodi

Saif Al Kaabi

Muadh Al Salhi

SECOND VIOLINS

Salim Al Hashmi*

Zakaria Al Farsi

Ibrahim Al Mamari

Nagla Al Rahbiya

Nasra Al Rashidiya

Ebrahim Al Shekaili

VIOLAS

Younis Al Siabi*

Saleh Al Manji

Huda Al Muhairiya

Maher Al Wehaibi

 

CELLOS

Amjad Al Saadi*

Yousuf Al Farsi

Aamna Al Kilbaniya

Hanan Al Masrooriya

DOUBLE BASSES

Abdil Aziz Al Kindi*

Mohammed Al Dhawyani

FLUTES

Balqis Al Shabibiya*

Abdulmajeed Al Yaaribi

OBOES

Yahya Al Dhanky*

Khulood Al Balushiya

Hanan Al Hakmaniya

Suleiman Al Hashmi

Nooh Al Muharami

 

CLARINETS

Mustehil Al Reisi*

Numair Al Ajmi

 

BASSOONS

Khamis Bani Araba*

Ahmed Al Hashmi

HORNS

Saif Al Hajri*

Bader Al Jabri

TRUMPETS

Issa Al Mukheini*

Mousa Al Rahbi

Marwa Al Shandoodiya

PERCUSSION

Mohammed Al Ajmi

Najah Al Fawriya

Samiya Al Hattaliya

Hilal Al Jabri

PIANO

Rashid Al Rashdi

**Orchestra leader

*Section leader