Your Definitive Guide To Everything Happening At Dubai Opera For 2018
Dubai Opera is not only one of the most stunning buildings in Dubai but it also plays host to some of the world’s most spectacular shows.
Inviting talent from all over the world, Dubai Opera is the UAE’s preeminent performing arts theatre and it never ceases to amaze its visitors.
The state-of-the-art venue is the perfect space to celebrate all forms of art from ballet to pop-stars, orchestras to comedy, Dubai Opera has it all, and more.
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s got a lot more to offer than opera.
Here’s what in store for 2018:
1. Aïda, Polish National Opera
The Polish National Opera brings this Egyptian tale of forbidden love to the stage from the 14 – 17 February.
The tragic story follows a Nubian princess and an Egyptian warrior as they struggle to find a place for their love as it tests their loyalty to their countries.
Composed by famed Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi, this opera explores the conflict between the characters’ pride and loyalty to their country against the unexplainable power of love.
Price: from AED350
PLUS you can attend the AIDA dress rehersal on February 13, for just AED35
In a very special and rare event, Dubai Opera is opening up to the public to come see the AIDA dress rehearsal on February 13, from 2-3.30pm.
This means you can see behind-the-scenes excerpts and insight into the show for an absolute bargain price. Take the kids along for a half-term treat or a fun family outing!
2. Eugene Onegin, Polish National Opera
Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin is going to be performed by the acclaimed Polish National Opera on February 22-23.
The intense love story tells the story of Eugene Onegin and Tatiana, full of love, drama and sadness.
The performance will be in Russian with English subtitles.
3. Music In The Studio
Each month, Dubai Opera is bringing a special intimate performance to the Dubai Opera Studio, located to the side of the main auditorium.
On February 21, guitarist Mauricio Diaz Alvarez will be performing for the small crowd in the studio, and taking the audience on a journey through music with him.
Each month will have a different musician and instrument, March will see a clarinet and piano duo, Paul Meyer and Eric Le Sage, April will see tenor, Neil Latchman and pianist Amira Fouad, May will be clarinet and piano performances by Julian Bliss and Julien Quentin and June will see two players on one piano with Bruno Vlahek and Dubravka Vukalovic.
Price: AED150 per performance or AED450 for four.
4. Shaolin Warriors
This Chinese show is a display of skill, strength and acrobatics.
Following a young child’s journey as he overcomes adversity to become a traditional warrior you will be left in awe as the performers demonstrate their martial arts expertise.
Death-defying stunts, incredible acrobatics and story-telling too.
What’s not to love?
The Kung Fu masters are taking over Dubai Opera from February 27 until March 3.
Prices: from AED195
5. European Union Youth Orchestra
On April 12 & 13, young musicians, aged from just 16-26 from 28 countries will be performing under the baton of Vasily Petrenko.
The talented young musicians have performed at plenty of prestigious venues around the world, and will be bringing their skills to the brilliant orchestra in Dubai finally. Expect a mix of the old favourites and some fun new tunes.
Prices: From AED125.
The EUYO is also opening its doors to the public for one day’s dress rehearsal
On April 12, from 10am until noon, residents can head on down to the Dubai Opera to see parts of the show that the orchestra rehearse for just AED35!
It does NOT get much better than that.
6. Rag’n’Bone Man
Bursting onto the music scene in 2017 with his hit ‘Human’ Rag’n’Bone Man, Rory Graham, was met with critical acclaim.
He spent two consecutive weeks at number one in the UK charts before his debut album went gold and eventually platinum.
The English singer’s deep and crooning voice has seen him win two Brit awards and sell out shows across Europe.
Taking his tour international he performs at Dubai Opera house on March 23 before taking it to Australia, the US and revisiting Europe.
Prices: from AED395
7. Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra
The Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra is widely considered one of the best chamber orchestras in the world, and with some of the most acclaimed and talented musicians found across the globe, it’s no surprise.
Performers from the Vienna Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra and many more come together under the brilliant leadership of Gábor Takács-Nagy to expertly perform the music of Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Schubert on April 4.
Prices: from AED250
8. Romeo and Juliet
Everyone knows and loves the story of Shakespeare’s classic, Romeo and Juliet.
And now you can fall in love with it all over again with this performance by The Moscow City Ballet.
Bringing Shakespeare’s Verona to life in this dramatic and powerful adaptation, be enthralled by the clashing Montagues and Capulets, as the young star crossed lovers meet their tragic fate.
Prices: from AED350.
9. Steps
Yes, as in the 90’s pop band Steps.
Relive your youth with hits such as ‘Tragedy’, ‘5,6,7,8’, and ‘It’s the Way You Make Me Feel’.
The group reunited last year and embarked on a tour to promote their new album ‘Tears on the Dancefloor’ reminding everyone what ‘pop music’ really is.
It’s all your childhood dreams come true with Claire, Faye, H, Lee and Lisa at the Dubai Opera on April 27.
Prices: from AED275
10. Swan Lake
One of the most recognisable titles in ballet, the Houston Ballet brings Swan Lake to Dubai from October 24 -27, and it’s not to be missed.
Be enchanted by ballerinas as they tell the magical tale of Odette after she is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer, but a valiant knight declares his love for her and swears to save her.
A beloved tale, a live orchestra, a visually stunning set and Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful score make this show unmissable.
Prices: from AED250.
What else do you need to know?
Valet parking is available at Dubai Opera for AED100.
Late arrivals will only be admitted into the venue during suitable times in the performances.
For the behind-the-scenes rehearsals, every 10 children or students that attend, the teacher goes free as part of the Dubai Opera Education and Outreach Programme.
