Muscat – In an elegant musical celebration of the 50-year friendship between Oman and Japan, Abdullah Mohamed Bahwan, Chairman of the Oman Japan Friendship Association (OJFA) hosted an exquisite orchestra evening titled ‘An Evening of Music and Friendship – Japan and Oman’ under the patronage of H H Sayyid Fahr bin Fatik bin Fahr al Said.
Held at the Royal Opera House Muscat last week, the event exhibited strong heritage and culture, underscoring the profound bond between the two nations. The programme featured a mesmerising orchestra performance by the renowned ‘Orchestra Presenter Tokyo’ from Japan, transcending language barriers and offering a universal experience of beauty and artistry.
The evening welcomed an illustrious gathering of diplomats, ambassadors and prominent business leaders from various sectors. Set against the backdrop of harmonious melodies, the event highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared values that have united Oman and Japan over the decades.
Reflecting on the event, Abdullah Mohamed Bahwan highlighted the unique bond of friendship and mutual respect that Oman and Japan have shared for 50 years. He noted that the association has consistently worked to strengthen this connection by fostering greater understanding and collaboration. He felt events like this, serve as a testament to the harmony between the two nations and the vast potential for cultural and economic partnerships. The evening, enriched by the melodies of their shared heritage, symbolised a celebration of the past and a vision for a bright future together.
Sharing his thoughts at the event, Shigehiko Okuda, Chief Project Officer, recorded their gratefulness and pleasure to have the opportunity to perform in Muscat. “As you know, the friendship between Japan and Oman is very deep. Japan has a wonderful culture, climate and warm-hearted people. And Oman has an even more wonderful culture, climate and warm-hearted people that no other country has.”
The fascinating rhythms commenced with a world premiere – Akihiro Nakajima’s Sakura Sakura (The Four Seasons of Japan)’, specially composed for the event. This evocative piece captured the essence of Japan’s four seasons, from the delicate cherry blossoms of spring to the vibrant return of butterflies after winter. The evening then transitioned to Akira Ifukube’s Symphonic Fantasia No. 1, featuring the iconic Godzilla theme, which brought cinematic grandeur to the performance.
The first part also highlighted the talent of Syuco Tada, a globally acclaimed DOYO singer, who performed beloved Japanese children’s songs such as Hamabe no Uta (Seashore Song) and Akatombo (Red Dragonflies). This nostalgic journey concluded with the legendary anime theme Suite – Space Battleship Yamato, a timeless piece that has resonated with audiences for over five decades.
The programme continued with an exhilarating variety of performances. Highlights included the Monster Hunter Main Theme from the globally renowned video game series and selections from Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, set in Nagasaki, with a poignant rendition of One Fine Day We’ll See.
The performance reached its zenith with Puccini’s iconic Nessun Dorma from Turandot, performed by Japan’s leading tenor, Tatsuya Higuchi. His powerful performance, alongside a duet of Time to Say Goodbye with soprano Chihiro Funahashi, left the audience spellbound.
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