• Polish National Opera & Ballet presents Aida, Giselle, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
  • West End hits Singin’ in the Rain and Sweeney Todd debut.
  • Carla Bruni, Dire Straits Legacy, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform.
  • Modern ballets Romeo & Juliet Suite and Giselle take the stage.

Dubai Opera, the region’s premier cultural hub, is gearing up for an extraordinary 2024-2025 season, boasting over 50 international performances from across the globe. This season promises to be the most diverse yet, with an exciting line-up of regional debuts, new collaborations, and modern interpretations of opera, ballet, musical theatre, and more. More than 1,000 world-class performers will take the stage, offering audiences in the UAE a dazzling array of artistic experiences.

The season opens with a grand celebration featuring three iconic productions by the renowned Polish National Opera and Ballet. From 13 to 21 September, Dubai Opera will host Verdi’s timeless masterpiece Aida, the romantic ballet Giselle, and Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony. These performances will set the tone for what is expected to be a remarkable season, showcasing the artistic prowess of Poland’s leading opera and ballet institution.

Dubai Opera continues to expand its reach by bringing some of the most acclaimed Broadway and West End productions to the UAE for the first time. The highly anticipated West End sensation Singin’ in the Rain will delight audiences from 30 November to 14 December, while Stephen Sondheim’s legendary Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will have an eight-day run from 1 to 8 February. These thrilling productions are sure to captivate musical theatre fans with their unique storytelling and stellar performances.

A special treat for Dubai audiences is the return of the acclaimed musical production Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era. After sell-out seasons across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain, this tribute to one of the Arab world’s greatest musical icons will once again grace the stage in October. Alongside this, globally acclaimed artists such as Hans Zimmer, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Max Richter will perform, offering a rare opportunity for audiences to witness live performances by Academy Award-winning composers.

Music lovers can look forward to a stellar season of concerts, with performances by world-famous artists like Carla Bruni, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Umberto Tozzi, and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame. Additionally, British rock icons Dire Straits Legacy will perform on 24 January, while other popular acts like the Buena Vista All Stars and Il Volo are set to enchant audiences with their diverse musical styles. This eclectic mix ensures that there is something for every musical taste.

Dance aficionados are in for a treat as the Polish National Ballet performs Giselle from 18 to 21 September. Ballet lovers can also look forward to Benjamin Millepied’s modern reimagining of Romeo & Juliet Suite, performed by the L.A. Dance Project, as well as the enchanting Nutcracker, which will return for the festive season in December. Other highlights include Modanse featuring world-renowned ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, and the passionate Tango After Dark, which will showcase the sultry moves of Argentinian tango in April.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony will take center stage once again on 22 September, celebrating its 200th anniversary. Dubai Opera will host numerous symphonic concerts throughout the season, including Max Richter’s reimagined Four Seasons and the highly anticipated Limitless Orchestra, which will see Hans Zimmer himself making a guest appearance. The season will culminate with a performance of Mozart’s Requiem by the Brno Theatre in February.

In addition to its regular programming, Dubai Opera will host a number of special events throughout the season. Film Music Week will return, featuring iconic scores from Hollywood, while the ever-popular InClassica festival will continue to bring world-class classical musicians to the stage. The New Year’s Eve celebration will see electronic music maestro Parov Stelar electrifying the audience, and a new Symphonic Rock Edition promises to add a fresh twist to the season’s musical offerings.

Regional music stars are also set to shine, with performances from Majid Jordan and the renowned Ibrahim Maalouf. These artists will bring the rich and vibrant sounds of Arab music to the stage, further enhancing the cultural diversity of the season’s offerings. Additionally, Dubai Opera has announced a new partnership with American Express Middle East, giving Card Members exclusive access to a wide range of performances and premium benefits.

Reflecting on the new season, Suhaila Ghubash, Vice President of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, praised Dubai Opera’s ongoing role in the city’s cultural development. She emphasized the alignment of the 2024-2025 season with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the city as a global hub for business, leisure, and culture. This collaboration between the public and private sectors ensures that Dubai remains a world-class destination for arts and entertainment.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of Arts and Literature at Dubai Culture, highlighted the role Dubai Opera plays in fostering creativity and nurturing talent. The 2024-2025 season not only celebrates global artistry but also provides a platform for emerging local talent to showcase their skills. This partnership between Dubai Culture and Dubai Opera continues to stimulate the UAE’s thriving creative ecosystem.

As Dubai Opera embarks on its 8th year, Head of Dubai Opera Paolo Petrocelli shared his excitement for the upcoming season, which promises to cater to a wide array of tastes and interests. From pop and rock to opera, classical ballet, and symphonic music, the 2024-2025 season is set to be a dynamic celebration of the performing arts. The diverse line-up of performances will bring together sounds, languages, and cultures, reinforcing Dubai Opera’s role as the UAE’s premier performing arts venue.

With a record-breaking 2023-2024 season behind them, Dubai Opera is ready to dazzle audiences once again. From breathtaking performances by international stars to innovative new collaborations, this season is shaping up to be a milestone in the region’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a fan of ballet, opera, musical theatre, or contemporary music, Dubai Opera’s 2024-2025 season is not to be missed!

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