Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day
The Sultanate of Oman joined the European Union (EU) in celebrating the 75th Europe Day with a landmark jazz concert, showcasing cultural diplomacy and international friendship.
Hosted by a delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Oman, the evening featured a mesmerising jazz performance by Luca Velotti and Silvia Manco Duo at Bait Al Zubair recently in honour of the 75th anniversary of Europe Day.
The evening symbolised unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and dialogue between Europe and Oman.
This year's celebration marked a historic milestone — 75 years since the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Union and its enduring mission to transform a war-torn continent into a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe.
Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day
Europe Day serves as a reminder of Europe's shared past and future rooted in cooperation, openness and the belief that unity and diversity can coexist.
"On Europe Day, it is important to remember the value of peace and dialogue, the importance of partnerships for building a more prosperous and secure future," said Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman, emphasising the significance of Europe Day.
"The European Union values the partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and applauds its role in advancing peace and security in the region," he added.
Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day
Renowned Italian jazz artists Luca Velotti, known for his collaborations with Paolo Conte and Silvia Manco, a distinguished pianist and vocalist, captivated the audience with a sophisticated performance that merged classic jazz with European soul, serving as a bridge between cultures and embodying the spirit of Europe Day.
The event was part of the European Union's broader engagement to strengthen cultural exchanges with Oman and foster mutual understanding, reinforcing the values that define the Europe-Oman partnership: dialogue, respect and collaboration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
18 hours ago
- Observer
Amsterdam honours its own Golden Age sculpture master
Imposing but delicate marble sculptures of Graeco-Roman-style figures grace the vaulted corridors of a huge palace. But this isn't Florence or Rome. This is Amsterdam. As part of celebrations to mark 750 years since the founding of the Dutch capital, the city is unveiling from Wednesday an exhibition dedicated to Artus Quellinus, the 17th century "sculptor of Amsterdam." Virtually unknown outside Flanders in present-day Belgium where he made his name, the city has Quellinus to thank for the decorations on the Royal Palace that dominates the city's iconic Dam Square. Quellinus "lifted our sculpture to a new level" with a fresh style, Dutch art historian Bieke van der Mark told AFP. Born in Antwerp in 1606, Quellinus sculpted with marble, as well as ivory and clay. His style, heavily influenced by Flemish baroque painter Reubens, was a complete novelty for the Protestant Netherlands, used to a more sober style at the time. His subjects -- mythological figures, chubby angels, and animals -- are perhaps a nod to the great masters he would have seen while an apprentice in Rome. "Like (17th century Italian master Gian Lorenzo) Bernini, he masters the way the flesh looks, and hands," said Van der Mark. "It's really fantastic," said the 46-year-old, pointing to a statue of the God Saturn devouring his son, whom he holds in his huge veiny hands. Organised by the Amsterdam Royal Palace and the Rijksmuseum, this is the first-ever retrospective devoted to Quellinus, displaying more than 100 of his works from national and international collections. "We spent quite some time to select and to collect, to bring together all these very special works... to show Quellinus at his best," said curator Liesbeth van Noortwijk. "Because I think he's an artist that deserves that." "We dare to call him the Bernini of the North... And I think this is no exaggeration," she told AFP. The decorations of Amsterdam's Royal Palace, built as a town hall between 1648 and 1665, remains Quellinus's statement work, with an iconic figure on the roof of Atlas bearing the world on his shoulders. Now, nearly 400 years on, the city hopes the show will raise awareness of the hitherto unrecognised "sculptor of Amsterdam." —AFP
Observer
02-06-2025
- Observer
Rome's 'Hollywood on the Tiber' plans comeback despite Trump tariff threat
Europe's largest film studio Cinecitta is aiming to re-launch Italy as a movie powerhouse, even as U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign productions cast a shadow over the film industry globally. Cinecitta, the homonymous company that manages Rome's historic film studio, approved a five-year plan this week backed by the EU's post-COVID Recovery Fund, which includes building new high-tech sound stages and boosting production capacity by 60% by 2026. "We want to lead the game," said CEO Manuela Cacciamani. "Cinecitta must be a factory that works at full capacity... with excellence as a minimum standard." Founded in 1937 under Benito Mussolini's fascist rule, Cinecitta became known as the "Hollywood on the Tiber". It has hosted over 3,000 films, attracting world-renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Federico Fellini and Francis Ford Coppola. The company is targeting revenue of 51.9 million euros ($58.8 million) in 2029, almost double the 2024 figure, and aims to turn a 4.3-million-euro net profit after a loss of 11.6 million euros last year. Trump has said he will impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States to save Hollywood from "a very fast death", but has issued few details on how the levy would work. The tariff plan threatens to disrupt the current industry set-up, in which big U.S. productions rely on the services of studios around the world that can provide expertise, cheaper costs and striking location scenery. Trump's sweeping tariffs were temporarily reinstated by a federal appeals court on Thursday, a day after a U.S. trade court blocked them, ruling Trump had exceeded his authority. Cacciamani told Reuters Cinecitta was monitoring "with the utmost care" developments regarding the tariff threat. "The hope is that two historic powers of cinema worldwide, (Italy and the U.S.) which owe so much to each other, will continue to cooperate," she said. Italy's tax credit of up to 40% for film production is "among the most competitive worldwide", Cinecitta said, helping attract some of last year's international successes such as "Emilia Perez" and the papal thriller "Conclave". Among projects slotted for filming in Cinecitta this year is Mel Gibson's "The Resurrection of The Christ", a sequel to his 2004 "The Passion of The Christ". Gibson is one of Trump's "Special Ambassadors" in Hollywood, tasked with rescuing the U.S. film industry alongside actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone. His next film, being shot in Italy, would be exposed to the tariff. —Reuters
Observer
31-05-2025
- Observer
Dior shows Maria Grazia Chiuri's cruise collection in Rome
French fashion house Dior showed creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri's cruise 2026 and fall-winter haute couture 2026 collections at a fashion show in the gardens of the Villa Albani Torlonia in Rome on Tuesday at night. Guests sat under transparent umbrellas as models marched past on a gravel walkway lined with hedges. They paraded sheer gowns covered with lacework, textured dresses with rows of ruffles and long, tailored coats - mostly in white, ivory and nude colors. A sharp-shouldered trench coat, military jackets and tailcoats over skirts brought contrast to the airy looks, as did a few dresses in red or black velvet. After the show, Chiuri rounded the gardens for her bow as the audience stood, cheering and clapping, while mist rose from the gardens. The catwalk presentation, which drew on references to Italian cinema and theatre, follows last week's cruise fashion show from Louis Vuitton, another LVMH-owned label, in Avignon, France. The shows come as the luxury industry grapples with a prolonged slump in business, and a number of high-end fashion labels are seeking new creative direction to reignite interest from shoppers. Over the last five years, Chiuri has established herself as a groundbreaking leader, blending activism, craftsmanship, and innovation to redefine the brand's identity. Since taking the helm in 2016, Chiuri has championed feminism and social justice through her collections, making Dior a platform for powerful messages. Dior shows Maria Grazia Chiuri's cruise collection in Rome Her 2019 'We Should All Be Feminists' T-shirts became an instant icon, sparking global conversations about gender equality. Subsequent seasons incorporated slogans, symbolic motifs, and references to female empowerment, turning runway shows into potent statements. Chiuri's respect for Dior's heritage is evident in her reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, emphasizing artisanal techniques and sustainable practices. She has prioritized eco-friendly materials and collaborations that promote ethical production, aligning luxury with responsibility. Her partnerships with contemporary artists and activists, including Judy Chicago, have expanded Dior's cultural impact, fostering dialogue around gender, identity, and creativity. These efforts have garnered widespread praise for authenticity and influence. The 2025 show, held in Paris, marked a significant milestone. It showcased a daring new direction—mixing couture craftsmanship with futuristic design elements. Incorporating digital innovation and sustainable fabrics, the collection reflected Chiuri's commitment to modernity and environmental consciousness. Critics applauded the show for its boldness and relevance, emphasizing how Dior continues to evolve while maintaining its heritage. As Dior advances under Chiuri's visionary leadership, her body of work exemplifies how fashion can be a catalyst for social change, blending tradition with contemporary activism. The 2025 show underscores her role as a transformative figure, shaping the future of luxury fashion rooted in purpose and innovation. —Reuters
