Saudi Arabia's first opera, "Zarqa Al-Yamama," will be performed in Arabic language at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh from April 25 to May 4.
The CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Sultan Al-Bazei, announced this at a press conference, stating that the opera marks a new phase for Saudi culture and embodies famous stories from the country's narrative and cultural heritage with international standards.
The production is the result of years of hard work.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture and chairman of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, appreciated the attention given to the opera "Zarqaa Al-Yamama" by expressing gratitude to Al-Bazei.
The opera was launched on Feb. 16 in London with the attendance of international and Saudi creatives.
The story, spirit, and language of the opera are inspired by the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula.
Al-Bazei described the opera as a tragic depiction of ancient history, representing the contemporary world's sorrows, but also holding the promise of a hopeful and prosperous future.
A press conference was held to announce the first Saudi opera, which will feature prominent Saudi musicians including Saleh Zamanan.
The Dresden Sinfoniker Orchestra will perform the musical pieces, and the Czech Philharmonic Choir will provide vocals.
Swiss director Daniele Finzi Pasca will oversee the production, and international composer Lee Bradshaw created the tunes, blending traditional elements with a contemporary framework.
The Roshan Group and the King Fahd Cultural Center are the main partners for this production.
The text describes the Saudi Arabian Opera, an event organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission.
The opera honored several official partners and sponsors, including Banque Saudi Fransi, Saudi Signs Media, Genesis Motor, Nova, Spirit of Saudi Arabia, Bateel, and Ramada by Wyndham.
The primary objectives of the opera were to strengthen the Saudi cultural sector, showcase national talent, and revive famous Arabian stories in a contemporary way.
Additionally, the opera aimed to promote international cultural exchange as part of the National Strategy for Culture under Vision 2030.