The Play Tunes Institute of Music, in conjunction with the Let’s Read Programme, successfully held the third edition of the Rising Stars Music & Dance Concert, to raise funds for the Maktabati Mobile Library Programme, on May 9

They came…they sang/played…they conquered a million hearts!

Budding singers, musicians and dancers set the stage ablaze with their outstanding performances at the third edition of the Rising Stars Music and Dance Concert held at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, auditorium on May 9.

The evening’s entertainment consisted of a varied programme ranging from classical pieces by famous composers and performed by young pianists, violinists, classical guitarists and drummers, to current, popular songs sung by young vocalists (solos and duets) – all below 18 years of age. The mood in the auditorium was one of exuberance as parents and well-wishers applauded the little stars after each performance.

Jane Jaffer, MBE, founder of the Let’s Read Programme, which promotes the love of reading to children in Oman, said, “Schools and music teachers across the capital were contacted to find talented young students willing to perform at the concert. Becoming a musician takes talent, skill and dedication. Performing on a stage in front of a large audience takes an enormous amount of courage. The concert motivates and encourages students to practise and become inspired.

“Funds raised from the concert will help Let’s Read purchase books for our Maktabati Mobile Library Programme. For the past thirteen years, Maktabati has been visiting schools, festivals and fairs across the country, giving children great reading experiences and access to good books. A child that reads is a child that succeeds.”

Thanae Pachiyannaki, who managed the show with her team of professional musicians, music teachers, sound engineers and lighting specialists at Tunes Trading and Services, said, “This was a spectacular event with such talented young artists and we are so proud to have been a part of it. Our Institutes follows the London College of Music and Trinity College of London examination boards for Music and the National Association of Teachers of dancing syllabi. However, we cater to both, serious candidates as well as leisure performers who just want to enjoy playing.”

Thanae had the daunting task of viewing 95 video clips and making the selection. There was an incredible amount of talent to choose from. Live auditions and rehearsals followed for the 35 students, who were selected. Many of them were students of music institutes in Muscat and the Classic Music and Arts Institute in Qurum, Play Tunes Institute in Azaiba, and the new Tunes and Classic Music & Arts Centre in Markaz Al Bahja.

The show began with a resounding performance Aysha Al Mughairi and the Teachers’ Jazz Band. Then, Loay Al Maskari, the compere for the show, introduced Pouya Kamalian and Yavuz Cal who played the violin and piano beautifully, followed by accomplished pianists, Lily Jecker and Mohammed Al Musulmani.

The youngest performer, Aristea Spearman, aged 5 years, delivered a confident rendition of ‘Do-Re-Mi’, from the classic musical ‘The Sound of Music’. Mikael Sarkis, Bryan Koussa and Lilah Kilburn proved themselves to be talented pianists as they played their piano pieces with confidence and flair.

Sariya Al Lawati and Zoeya Mawany sang a Bruno Mars song about friendship and said, “We were so grateful to have the opportunity to sing at the Rising Stars Concert. We feel very lucky and blessed to celebrate our friendship through our performance.”

Safia Al Kathiri gave a graceful and energetic solo dance performance while Haizel Harish, Adnan Sbeih and Shayan Shafee Fard each performed demanding classical guitar pieces brilliantly. Layla Haykal played the soulful bass guitar with great accuracy and rhythm. Joel Mervin A gave a strong vocal rendition and Atheer Harub Turki Saif Al Said performed confidently on the piano while Taim Al Khateeb and Loay Al Hinai shone on stage with their wonderful piano performances.

Loay Al Maskari, the MC, said, “The Rising Stars Concert was an incredible experience; emceeing granted me the opportunity to connect with the audience in a way that I had never before, and for once, I did not feel nervous performing.” After the interval, Loay himself performed ‘The Entertainer’ by Scott Joplin to a thunderous applause.

Eighteen children from the Royal Flight Choir sang a dynamic and joyful medley of songs and the audience gave them a huge round of applause. Arshia Hallaji, Zain Hakim, Taj Zakaria each showed great skill and expression as they performed their individual piano pieces. Vocals by Tanya Melwin and Aseela Sohail really showcased their amazing voices. Sisters, Lilly and Olivia Simpson, played the guitar and violin respectively whilst singing together in hauntingly beautiful harmony.

Laith, Sanad and Layla performed together as a band, playing bass and electric guitar and drums. Saoirse Lambkin, Lily-May Tabb, Daniella Jane and Charita Damodar really captured the audience’s hearts with their powerful and resonant voices. They each sang from their hearts with great emotion.

The Leelangika Dance Group’s colourful performance was also entertaining and beautifully choreographed. Suhana Kapoor and Zoey Guo played the clarinet and piano together, and as the show came to an end, Dana Al Balushi gave a captivating performance while Kevin Rodrigues played the drums with great enthusiasm. During the finale, the entire cast came up onto the stage and sang the inspiring song, ‘We are the World,’ to a standing ovation.

Guest of Honour, H H Sayyida Basma Al Said, said, “It was truly a pleasure to witness the incredible talent, confidence and passion showcased by the young performers during the Rising Stars Concert. Music is a universal language that brings people together, inspires emotional expression, and positively supports mental well-being.

“What made the evening especially meaningful was seeing young individuals shine so confidently on stage, supported by their families, teachers and community. Events like these not only celebrate talent and creativity, but also remind young people to continue to believe in themselves, embracing who they are, and pursuing their passions with confidence.”

Jane Jaffer asserted, “Learning to read and play music acts as a whole brain workout. It activates the same phonological loop in the brain that children use when reading words. Engaging in music significantly strengthens early literacy skills. Music is a creative activity as is writing. Let’s Read promotes creative writing through its annual Children’s Writing Competition. Rising Stars gives children an opportunity to build self- confidence.”