Musical greenhorns celebrate Haydn, Mozart in Muscat
They came, they performed, they unleashed sheer magic…
Eleven budding musicians in Oman displayed their prowess with musical instruments as they celebrated the immortal compositions of Austrian grand masters – Haydn and Mozart – via renditions that held a select audience at the Austrian embassy captive on the afternoon of May 16.
The 'Spring Recital' programme was organised by Sarah Shanfari Topolska and the Embassy of Austria to promote budding musical talent and give her students a platform to perform to a live audience in Muscat. It comprised 16 renditions – some solo, some duo performances – by the participants who exhibited sheer mastery over their chosen musical pieces of the Austrian masters as well as a few of French, German, American, Canadian and English composers.
'I'd love for these concerts to take place more frequently, always under the name Musical Moments – children playing for children. I've already organised such concerts at the Opera Galleria, but recently it hasn't been easy to arrange. That's why I'm extremely grateful that the Austrian Embassy has agreed to host another one,' asserted Sarah, explaining further, 'It is truly amazing to organise these concerts for children and young people, to inspire them musically. This time, only my students performed, but the idea is open to all talented children and youth. Next time, other teachers will also be involved – and I'm really counting on that.'
Celebrating Haydn and Mozart
This year's theme was 'Musical Moments with Haydn and Mozart. Explaining the importance of celebrating the compositions of these legendary musicians, Sarah said, 'It is important to know about Haydn and Mozart – two musical superstars from Austria – because their contributions have shaped the very foundation of classical music.
'Joseph Haydn, often called the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet', helped define the structure of classical music and inspired generations of composers. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a true musical genius, amazed the world with his extraordinary talent from a very young age and composed over 600 works that continue to be performed and loved around the world.
'Learning about these composers not only connects us to Austria's rich cultural heritage, but also helps young musicians understand the roots of Western music, appreciate artistic excellence, and find inspiration in their creativity and dedication.'
Sarah further asserted that since the concert was organized at the Austrian embassy, she considered it a wonderful opportunity to introduce young people to great Austrian composers. She chose Haydn and Mozart – two iconic figures from the Classical period -alongside other composers from the same era.
'The students were able to remember these two important names and the musical style they represent. This experience was not only educational but also deeply enriching for their musical development. It helped them understand the historical context of the music they are learning and playing, and it brought them closer to the roots of classical music,' Sarah said, adding, 'Moments like these are incredibly valuable, as they inspire young people and broaden their artistic horizons in a meaningful and lasting way.'
The music scene in Oman, according to Sarah, is growing, with more interest in classical training, performance opportunities, and cultural exchange. There is a lot of untapped talent here and young musicians will play a very important role in shaping the country's musical future, she said, adding, 'with the right support, encouragement, and exposure, these young artists can contribute to a thriving cultural scene and inspire the next generation. They are the future ambassadors of Omani music and creativity.'
In a message to young musicians in Oman, she said, 'Never stop nurturing your passion for music, even while focusing on your studies. Music and education can go hand in hand – it's all about balance and discipline. Music enriches your life, sharpens your mind, and builds confidence. Whether or not you pursue it professionally, the skills and joy you gain through music will benefit you in every part of life. Stay curious, stay committed, and surround yourself with inspiration.'
Spring Recital Programme
1. Fahad Al Asfoor: 'Surprise' by Joseph Haydn
2. Rosha Fahim: 'Allegro in F' by W A Mozart
3. Teng Jiaxun (violin) & Yihao Zhang (piano accompaniment): 'German Dance' by Haydn
4. Xin Rui Peng: 'Polonaise' by Mozart
5. Ava Yavari (violin) & Xin RuiPeng (piano accompaniment): 'Allegretto' by Mozart
6. Joanna Dixie Shantham: 'Bourlesque' by W A Mozart; 'Musette' by Leopold Mozart
7. Omar Abouelenein (violin) & Yihao Zhang (piano accompaniment): 'Allegro' (First Movement from a Concerto) by Haydn
8. Ava Yavari: 'Minuet in C' by Alexander Reinagle
9. Yihao Zhang: Sonata in D Major, Second Movement by W A Mozart
10. Qinchen Li (violin) &Yuchen Li (piano accompaniment): 'Polonaise' by Mozart
11. Sophie Ceska: 'Morning Sunbeam' by Florence Price
12. Yihao Zhang: 'Liebestraum' by Franz Liszt
13. Lila Hathroubi: 'Angelfish' by Anne Crosby-Gaudet
14. Xin Rui Peng: 'Love Theme' by Kevin Olson Rollin
15. Joanna Dixie Shantham: 'Indigo Moon' by Elissa Milne
16. Teng Jiaxun (violin) & Joanna Dixie Shantham (piano accompaniment): 'Ave Maria' by Charles Gounod
Creative challenges
Sarah further points out:
The challenge we face is that not enough attention is given to children and very young performers. My youngest participant last year was only four years old, and this year was six. Just imagine how inspiring that can be for other small children – it shows them that they too can play an instrument and be part of something beautiful.
Concerts where children perform for other children are not just nice to have—they are essential. They should be supported, nurtured, and given a platform where more young musicians can benefit from this kind of experience.
I truly believe that even in Muscat, a venue like a hall within the Royal Opera House would be a wonderful space for such concerts. I am more than happy to prepare and present these performances, but organising the right venue is often the most difficult part. It requires open-minded support and favourable conditions.
I sincerely hope that someone will take the initiative to help make this possible in the future, so that more young children's ensembles and performances can take part in these valuable musical experiences. This kind of investment in young talent will have a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Oman.
From this programme, you can see how many performers there were, I haven't even counted it yet, it should also be noted that the performers were only children, the children accompanied the concert completely on their own.
We also tried to combine different forms of art, and the children who attended the concert had the opportunity to draw or paint whatever they liked or whatever inspired them from the performance. I believe that this kind of connection between music and visual art is also very important for the creative development of children.
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