Dubai Opera has announced details of its first ever season, with Plácido Domingo the biggest name on the bill. The 2,000-seat venue opens later this year, and is the first purpose-built performing arts centre in the Arabic city-state. Led by Jasper Hope – former chief operating officer at London’s Royal Albert Hall – Dubai Opera’s programme mixes opera, ballet, recitals and family entertainment.
Domingo’s opening recital concert on 31 August is followed in the autumn by Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers. Chosen because of Dubai’s historic connection to fishing and pearl divers, it contains The Pearl Fishers Duet – one the of the best-known operatic songs. Also scheduled for the first season is The Barber of Seville and Opera Without Words, an evening of Italian operatic overtures and interludes performed by Teatro Verdi Trieste.
Giselle and Coppeilia will both be performed by Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, while Imperial Ice Stars’ The Nutcracker on Ice also visits. World music too is represented, with concerts from flamenco superstar Sara Baras as well as sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar.
‘Dubai Opera is bringing a spectacular calendar of performances – from defining operas to exhilarating ballets and compelling classical music in our opening year,’ said Hope. ‘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.’
Dates have yet to be announced for the performances. Tickets go on sale from 24 April.
