Monday 20 / January / 2025
Muscat: Affirming the enduring power of folk music, Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) hosted Folk Music Festival on January 16 and 17, 2025, a vibrant two-night celebration of global musical heritage.
The festival brought together extraordinary bands from Bulgaria, South Korea, and India, alongside a leading Omani folk group, to share their unique traditions with audiences in a magnificent display of culture, music, and choreography.
The Folk Music Festival highlighted ROHM’s ongoing commitment to bridging cultures through music and the arts.
As an institution, ROHM continues to serve as a platform for artistic collaboration, promoting cultural understanding, and celebrating the richness of traditional musical expressions.
As such,the Folk Music Festival has become an annual event and a beloved tradition, reinforcing ROHM’s role as a significant cultural beacon in the region and globally.
The audience experiencedthe technical mastery, creativity, and beauty of folk music in harmony at the outdoor maidan of Royal Opera House of Musical Arts.
The South Korean ensemble presented traditional Korean percussion, played on distinct instruments, alongside the celebrated Korean fan dance.
With bright pink fans and dresses, the dancers’ graceful movements brought to life a piece inspired by Asian traditions, enchanting the audience.
The Bulgarian ensemble offered dances from all ethnographical regions of Bulgaria, showcasing the country’s diverse rhythms and colourful traditions. The Indian performing group recognised for their performances at India’s prestigious cultural venues and international folk festivals, gavea dynamic and colourful exploration of India’s vast folk music heritage.
Finally, the Omani group played a vital role in connecting the deep roots of tradition with the distinctive present of the Sultanate, offering a powerful reflection of Oman’s own musical heritage.
Designed to be a celebration of cultural expression, the Folk Music Festival was an event where all ages came together, to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of folk music. Each performance is a testament to the deep connection between music and cultural identity, and a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.
Royal Opera House Muscat’s annual Folk Music Festival continues to deepen cultural understanding and harmony through the universal language of music, carrying messages of unity, pride, and celebration through its diverse array of performances.
For more information, visit ROHM’s website www.rohmuscat.org.om and follow @ROH_Muscat on Instagram.
