Download Dubai Opera reveals first glimpse of inaugural season programme

Press Release
Dubai Opera reveals first glimpse of inaugural season
programme and shows why it is truly destined to be the
performing arts hub of the Middle East
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.
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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, UAE; April 12, 2016: 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 the size of 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.”
Other highlights during the year also include: Opera without Words, an evening of Italian Opera’s
greatest overtures and interludes performed by Fondazione Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste and
conducted by Francesco Quattrocchi. It brings the magnificent orchestral pieces by the greatest opera
composers that have taken on a life of their own.
Giselle performed by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, is considered as one of the great
Romantic ballets. It was first performed in 1841 and focuses on the love of a peasant girl who dies of a
broken heart after discovering her lover is betrothed to another.
Also by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, Coppelia is set to Leo Delibes’ beautiful score.
It is a captivating and entertaining family ballet based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann about an eccentric
toymaker who has built a life-sized doll, Coppélia, and daydreams of her coming to life.
Dubai Opera comes alive to the strains of the Mozart Gala performed by Vienna Concert Verein
followed by Postcards from Vienna, and then will host Impossible, described as the ‘most dangerous
show’ the city has ever seen. It features the world’s best illusionists live on stage in a magic spectacular
that will thrill and amaze audiences of all ages.
Dubai Opera then welcomes on stage the renowned Catalan tenor, José Carreras, who celebrates ‘A Life
in Music,’ his final world tour. One of the Three Tenors along with Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti,
Carreras is highly acclaimed for his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini.
The music fest continues as Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi takes centrestage followed by the
unmatched brilliance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons featuring Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante.
Spain’s foremost Flamenco superstar, Sara Baras, comes to Dubai Opera with Voces, Suite Flamenca, a
show that pays tribute to six flamenco luminaries. Directed, staged and choreographed by the versatile
artist Baras, it has gained international acclaim for its exhilarating music.
Sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar who has five Grammy® Award nominations and is the
youngest – and first female – recipient of a British House of Commons Shield. She brings her 2016 work,
Land of Gold, focusing on the refugee crisis in the world.
Discover the world of Bejart Ballet Lausanne, which brings Ballet for Life and a Ballet Gala of Seven
Greek Dances, Piaf and Bolero, a masterpiece by Maurice Bejart.
Audiences can also watch the acclaimed show, The Nutcracker on Ice featuring the Imperial Ice Stars.
Set against a backdrop of colourful scenes and projections, opulent costumes, magic tricks and special
effects, the cast of World, European and National Championship level skaters dance to Tchaikovsky’s
glorious score.
Multi-award winning international sensation, Slava’s Snowshow will come to Dubai Opera over the
Festive Season. It is a universal and timeless theatrical poetic spectacle that has unanimously enchanted
and empowered the imagination of audiences around the world. Experience a joyous dream-like world
that culminates in a breathtaking blizzard leaving audiences literally knee deep in snow.
Further performances including a number of high profile names and productions will be announced in
due course. Tickets can be booked online at: www.dubaiopera.com
Dubai Opera overlooks the majestic Burj Khalifa and spell-binding Dubai Fountain. It offers the ultimate
flexibility of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2,000 sq m flat floor event space.
With a built-up area of over 35,500 sq m, Dubai Opera is an integral part of The Opera District, a
dedicated cultural and lifestyle hub launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
-endsNote to Editors
About Dubai Opera:
Dubai Opera will be a truly unique venue and the city’s first purpose built multi-format performing arts theatre
situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Set to open Autumn 2016, Dubai Opera will offer the ultimate flexibility
of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2,000 sq m flat floor event space. The configuration
will allow for approximately 2,000 seats for a concert and up to 1,000 for a gala dinner. Outside of the main
auditorium, the venue has a smaller performance space and rehearsal room and a stunning rooftop restaurant and
sky garden with views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 4507 600
[email protected] / [email protected]