Dubai Opera Inaugural Season Programme Revealed

So much more than opera, Dubai Opera will be the centre stage of all arts, a home to all genres.  From ballet and classical, through to musicals and theatre, comedy, family, rock, pop and jazz. Get ready to be truly captivated.

• An impressive calendar of 49 world class performances of opera, ballet, classical and family entertainment previewing the future of Dubai’s newest international cultural offering

• Emaar’s iconic multi-format events venue will host The Pearl Fishers, a soul-stirring romantic opera as first full production, this Autumn, that serves as a cultural tribute to the city’s heritage

• Inaugural production complements stellar architecture of Dubai Opera that draws inspiration from the Arabian dhows

• Accomplished artists to perform at Dubai Opera include Placido Domingo, The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, Vienna Concert Verein, the final world tour of José Carreras, Hussain Al Jassmi, Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras and Anoushka Shankar, among others

Dubai Opera, the city’s first purpose-built multi-format performing arts theatre situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, will celebrate its first performance this Autumn with a concert by legendary Spanish tenor, conductor and art administrator Plácido Domingo.

Described as the ‘King of Opera,’ and the ‘greatest operatic artist of modern times,’ Domingo has sung over 4,000 performances of 147 roles in addition to conducting more than 500 performances. He is named by the Guinness Book of Records for his repertoire and for having received 101 curtain calls after a performance – Verdi’s Otello at the Vienna State Opera.

The Domingo concert will be followed with Dubai Opera hosting the soul-stirring historic opera The Pearl Fishers. The three-act opera by the French composer Georges Bizet, to a libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré, serves as an ode to the rich heritage of Dubai, with its history seeped in adventurous pearl-diving expeditions by its people. It also complements the architectural splendour of Dubai Opera, which derives its inspiration from the Arabian dhow.

First performed in 1863, The Pearl Fishers narrates the story of two men’s promise of eternal friendship that is tested by their love for the same woman. The highlight of the opera, The Pearl Fishers Duet is among the best-known in Western opera. The Pearl Fishers, which has enticed opera lovers the world over for its lyrical quality, will be performed by Fondazione Teatro Lirico “Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste.”

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “With a world-class line-up of performances in the opening year itself, Dubai Opera is defining its credentials as the cultural hub of the region. The diversity of events that the multi-format venue showcases places our city on part with the cultural capitals of the world, welcoming art lovers from all over to our city. From hosting legendary names in performing arts to exceptional artists who have won rave international reviews, Dubai Opera’s calendar of events raises the bar for the cultural scene in Dubai.”

Jasper Hope, Chief Executive of Dubai Opera, said: “Dubai Opera is bringing a spectacular calendar of performances – from defining operas to exhilarating ballets and compelling classical music in our opening year. The line-up of performances will be a revelation for culture-lovers in the city. We are bringing world-class performers to Dubai who will appeal to residents and tourists alike and will help broaden even further the incredible international appeal of Dubai.”

While The Pearl Fishers will be performed in Autumn, opera lovers will be further enthralled with the masterpiece comedy by Gioachino Rossini, The Barber of Seville. Set to an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini, based on the French comedy by Pierre Beaumarchais, the opera buffa in two acts marked its debut in 1816, and will be performed by Fondazione Teatro Lirico “Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste.”