Muscat gets its own opera house

In an interview with Middle East Online, Hindawi said she hopes construction of the 16th century style building will be completed for the official opening next October.

Oman's music loving Sultan Qaboos initiated the project in 2001, the Web site said.

The initial concept was drawn up by Theatre Projects Consultants of Great Britain and the architectural firm Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo, Hindawi said.

Theatre Projects Web site said a representative of the royal court approached it for advice on the viability of a 1,000-1,100-seat auditorium to accommodate symphony orchestras as well as productions of opera, dance, and musicals the site said.

The only other opera house in the Arab world is in Cairo and was built in 1988.

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