By The Royal Opera House Muscat and Pink Jinn
Now a treasured annual fixture in Muscat, the Royal Opera House Muscat has been hosting Sufi and Inshaad concerts to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan for several years, bringing together regional and local artists for a spiritual journey through the medium of sound.
Few genres evoke the depth of spiritual connection and emotional resonance quite like Sufi and Inshaad music. These musical forms serve as profound vehicles for spiritual elevation and communal expression.
The Opera House has been hosting Sufi and Inshaad concerts during the month of Ramadan, offering locals the opportunity to experience the talents of regional performers from Morocco, Syria and Egypt for this season. The concerts brought together Sufi and Inshaad music, two forms of Islamic spiritual music renowned for the vocal skill of performers and their deeply evocative effect.
Sufi music finds its origins in the mystical practices of Sufism, a spiritual tradition within Islam that emphasises the pursuit of divine love and union with the Divine Beloved. Rooted in the teachings of great Sufi saints and poets such as Rumi, Hafiz, and Rabia al-Basri, Sufi music serves as a means of attaining new spiritual levels, or dhikr, through chants, poetry, and rhythmic movements.
Inshaad, on the other hand, is a form of Islamic vocal music performed without instruments. Also known as Nasheed, it is characterised by its devotional lyrics and its enthralling melodies. Drawing on the rich literary heritage of Arabic and Islamic poetry, Inshaad songs often express themes of love for the Prophet Muhammad, praise for Allah, and reflections on the beauty of creation. Inshaad music invokes a sense of reverence and spiritual longing through its soul-stirring melodies and poetic lyrics, serving as a means of connecting with the Divine and invoking feelings of devotion and humility in the hearts of listeners.
Pink Jinn was lucky to attend one of the concerts hosted at the sumptuous Royal Opera House of Musical Art featuring Syrian ensemble The Malawiyyin and Levantine Religious Chants Group, in tandem with Khalid Al Araimi, an Omani Inshaad vocalist of great note. Conceived in 2014 by a group of four musicians known as the Damascus Quartet, the group is comprised of leading musicians who have carved their Inshaad journeys through different experiences and with diverse backgrounds. The combined energy and talent of Mahmoud Al Siad, Mohammed Shafik Al Chaar, Ghassan Al Srouji Kanani, and Mustafa Al Sheikh gave rise to the larger group, bringing together the best chanters and musicians in the region.
One of the highlights of the performance was the appearance of the whirling dervishes. The troupe of dancers were a testament both to the history of the dance as well as its future – one of the performers was only seven years old! Adding to the spell-binding performance of the singers, the dancers’ energy on stage captivated the audience, combining to create an unforgettable evening.
In a celebration of cultural collaboration between Syria and Oman, the Syrian ensemble’s performance at ROHM also welcomed Oman’s most inspiring Inshaad performer, Khalid Al Araimi. Originally from Sur, Al Araimi began chanting in school and has continued to develop his art ever since, now performing across the region at public events to celebrate the art of Inshaad and religious devotion. His performance inspired considerable pride in the culture and history of Inshaad within the Sultanate, offering a new generation of vocalists an example of dedication and talent.
During this Ramadan season at the Royal Opera House Muscat, hundreds filled the halls of the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts. Spirituality, joy and togetherness transcended all three shows as the audience soaked up the festive atmosphere of the performances. As an institution, the Opera House was created to give local and international audiences the possibility to access world-class performers and shows. Through the Ramadan season, ROHM allows all audiences to experience the powerful realm of Sufi and Inshaad music, melding culture, spirituality, and talent.
After Ramadan, the Opera House will resume its season with world-class shows including an acrobatic interpretation of Swan Lake (18th and 20th April), the award-winning percussion show Stomp! (25th, 26th and 27th April) and the theatrical show Cirkopolis (4th, 5th and 6th May). Tickets are available on the ROHM website and app, or directly at the box office.
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