LANDMARK new venue Dubai Opera sings into life from tonight when a legend of the genre graces the stage for the first time.
SOUND DESIGN: The Dubai Opera auditorium boasts advanced acoustics
Veteran Spanish tenor Placido Domingo is the opening act for the multi-million dirham concert and cultural address, in Downtown Dubai.
The show leads the charge for an already busy inaugural season that boasts some world-class names, entertaining in the emirate for the first time.
Many acknowledge Dubai Opera as the key to plugging a cultural gap in a city famed by many visitors more for its shopping and sunbathing opportunities.
Tickets for Domingo – one of the two surviving Three Tenors (Pavarotti having died nine years ago) - were snapped up within three hours of going on sale, ensuring a packed auditorium in a venue vying with the world’s best for the most revered touring shows and artists.
The theatre has been designed in a way to offer acoustic excellence and uninterrupted views of the stage from all 2,000 seats, while maintaining a sense of intimacy throughout.
Many acknowledge Dubai Opera as the key to plugging a cultural gap in a city famed by many visitors more for its shopping and sunbathing opportunities.
Tickets for Domingo – one of the two surviving Three Tenors (Pavarotti having died nine years ago) - were snapped up within three hours of going on sale, ensuring a packed auditorium in a venue vying with the world’s best for the most revered touring shows and artists.
The theatre has been designed in a way to offer acoustic excellence and uninterrupted views of the stage from all 2,000 seats, while maintaining a sense of intimacy throughout.
WHERE THERE'S HOPE: Dubai Opera boss Jasper leads an inclusive venue
The unique dhow-shaped building, located on the other side of Dubai Fountains from Dubai Mall and The Palace Hotel, is described as a multi-format venue for opera, theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, film, sports events and seasonal programmes.
Jasper Hope, Chief Executive of Dubai Opera, described the opening night as “both the culmination of many years of planning, construction and collaboration of thousands of people, as well as the start of a new journey for arts and culture in Dubai”.
The former boss of London’s Royal Albert Hall went on: “We are thrilled to be delivering an iconic landmark to the city for residents and visitors and can promise world-class entertainment from around the world to excite and inspire.”
Jasper Hope, Chief Executive of Dubai Opera, described the opening night as “both the culmination of many years of planning, construction and collaboration of thousands of people, as well as the start of a new journey for arts and culture in Dubai”.
The former boss of London’s Royal Albert Hall went on: “We are thrilled to be delivering an iconic landmark to the city for residents and visitors and can promise world-class entertainment from around the world to excite and inspire.”
LAVISH: Enduring ballet Giselle is likely to be one of the calendar highlights of the Dubai Opers opening season
The opening season includes opera, ballet and classical music concerts and productions, but Dubai Opera will also stage musical theatre, fashion shows, jazz, comedy, family shows and a full range of live entertainment.
Among the highlights are West Side Story, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers (happening this Thursday and Saturday), Rossini's The Barber of Seville (Friday and Sunday), Opera Without Words, ballets Coppélia and Giselle, Postcards from Vienna, Mozart Gala, Impossible, a farewell from José Carreras - the other surviving member of The Three Tenors, the collaboration that popularized the genre among the masses - Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Sara Baras, Ravi Shankar's revered offspring Anoushka Shankar, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, The Nutcracker on Ice and Slava’s Snowshow.
With UAE telecoms firm du on board as a sponsor partner, Dubai Opera is looking to deliver more 150 performances each year.
Among the highlights are West Side Story, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers (happening this Thursday and Saturday), Rossini's The Barber of Seville (Friday and Sunday), Opera Without Words, ballets Coppélia and Giselle, Postcards from Vienna, Mozart Gala, Impossible, a farewell from José Carreras - the other surviving member of The Three Tenors, the collaboration that popularized the genre among the masses - Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Sara Baras, Ravi Shankar's revered offspring Anoushka Shankar, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, The Nutcracker on Ice and Slava’s Snowshow.
With UAE telecoms firm du on board as a sponsor partner, Dubai Opera is looking to deliver more 150 performances each year.
FAMILY VALUES: Anoushka Shankar promotes a legacy and variety at Dubai Opera // Pic: Jamie-James Medina
“The launch of Dubai Opera marks the beginning of a new era for the emirate’s culture,” added Hope.
“We are honoured to have the support of du as we celebrate the opening of a venue whose mission is to engage and inspire.
“With the help of our trusted partners, we aim to bring some of the world’s greatest productions to the UAE so the widest possible community of audiences can enjoy the best international live entertainment along with this country’s many and varied rich cultural offerings.”
DETAILS:
DUBAI Opera is the city’s first purpose built multi-format performing arts theatre.
IT offers the ultimate flexibility of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2000m2 flat floor event space.
DOORS tonight officially open at 6pm and the Domingo performance will begin at 8pm, promptly.
ALTHOUGH there isn’t a mandatory dress code in place at Dubai Opera, guests are encouraged to dress their best with many expected to dress formally for the glittering occasion.
FOR full show and ticket details, go to www.dubaiopera.com
“We are honoured to have the support of du as we celebrate the opening of a venue whose mission is to engage and inspire.
“With the help of our trusted partners, we aim to bring some of the world’s greatest productions to the UAE so the widest possible community of audiences can enjoy the best international live entertainment along with this country’s many and varied rich cultural offerings.”
DETAILS:
DUBAI Opera is the city’s first purpose built multi-format performing arts theatre.
IT offers the ultimate flexibility of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2000m2 flat floor event space.
DOORS tonight officially open at 6pm and the Domingo performance will begin at 8pm, promptly.
ALTHOUGH there isn’t a mandatory dress code in place at Dubai Opera, guests are encouraged to dress their best with many expected to dress formally for the glittering occasion.
FOR full show and ticket details, go to www.dubaiopera.com
