A great concert by Simon Zhu, with Gile Bae on piano, concludes today at the Royal Opera House of Muscat the “Paganini for Everyone” project, launched last December. The talks on Paganini’s life and work, followed by those dedicated to violin making and “Il Cannone,” marked the first stages of a highly successful journey, greatly appreciated by the public and young Omanis.

Yesterday, February 23, a masterclass led by Simon Zhu with Muscat students took place, followed by speeches from President Panebianco and Artistic Director Bruzzo, who recounted the 70-year history of the Premio Paganini in a packed “ROH Library.” The event was attended by the theater’s leadership, including General Director Umberto Fanni.

Highly appreciated was the gift to the Theater’s Library of a selection of volumes on Paganini, presented by Councillor Grosso, who was in Muscat representing the City of Genoa.

At 8:00 p.m., at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Oman, the “Paganini Ambassador” title was conferred upon H.E. Ambassador Pierluigi D’Elia.

The Royal Opera House Muscat, which will be the guest of honor at the 58th Premio Paganini, is among the cultural institutions that have offered a concert prize to the next winner of the Premio Paganini.

photo credit: Khalid AlBusaidi