Wednesday 21 / May / 2025
Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) , in collaboration with the Scientific College of Design, announced the winners of The Violetta Project: A Journey into Fashion Design, a special initiative inspired by its recent production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
This project invited fashion design students to explore the character of Violetta through the lens of costume design, reimagining her emotional journey in fresh, creative ways.
As a place of learning and cultural enrichment, the Royal Opera House Muscat continues to open its doors through educational initiatives that make opera and the arts more accessible.
This project encouraged students to approach opera from a new perspective, deepening their engagement with narrative, character, and historical context.
After a series of curated workshops that supported students in translating Violetta’s dramatic evolution into visual design, two standout participants, Nihal Al-Khaziri and Shadan Al-Malki, were selected for their compelling work.
Their designs impressed judges with their ability to capture the complexity and transformation of Violetta’s character, blending narrative insight with innovative fashion interpretation.
The project fostered both technical and creative growth, equipping young designers with professional tools in storytelling and character development while inspiring a deeper appreciation for opera and its emotional richness.
Acclaimed performances
The initiative coincided with two acclaimed performances of La Traviata on May 1 and 3, conducted by the legendary Plácido Domingo with the Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Carlo Felice, under the direction of Marta Domingo.
The production starred Juliana Grigoryan in her faultless and emotionally bruising debut as Violetta and Yusif Eyvazov as Alfredo, his fabulous tenor voice offering the perfect partnership. The production featured striking visuals and flamenco-inspired choreography by the Antonio Gades Company.
