The Palestinian Frank Sinatra, an opera classic, a much-loved soprano and a spectacular music tribute are some of the events coming to Dubai Opera.
The Downtown venue announced nearly 10 shows stretching right through to April next year. They join over 20 other events already confirmed including The Phantom of the Opera (Wednesday, October 16 to Saturday, November 2), Lebanese pianist Guy Manoukian (Thursday, November 28) and Handel's Messiah on Sunday, December 8.
Below are five keys shows to add to the calendar. Tickets for the programme go on sale on Sunday, September 8 at 3pm with a 20 percent Early Bird offer valid until Sunday, September 22. The full list of shows is available at www.dubaiopera.com
Sunday, December 15: Omar Kamal
Hey may be regarded as the Palestinian Frank Sinatra but Omar Kamal is shining in his own light with his brand of balladry, inspired by classical Arabic music and the pizazz of ol' Blue Eyes himself. Expect a dynamic set full of songs by legendary crooners such as Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Abdel Halim Hafez as well as vintage jazz standards. Tickets begin from Dh195.
Monday and Tuesday, January 17 and 18: Broken Wings
Fresh from its run in London's West End this year, Broken Wings is a musical adaptation of one of Khalil Jibran's most autobiographical works, published in 1912. Written by Nadim Naaman and Dana Al Firdan, Broken Wings highlights key themes of gender equality, tradition versus modernity and migration to prove that Jibran's works remain prescient today. Tickets begin from Dh295.
Friday, February 22: Katherine Jenkins
As the UK's best selling classical music artists of the last 25 years, Katherine Jenkins will grace the Dubai stage to perform a concert of musical numbers including Homeward Bound and Granada and the Andrew Lloyd Weber classic The Music of The Night. Tickets begin from Dh295.
Thursday to Saturday, March 19 to 21: La Traviata
Any opera house worth its name has to host this classic. Verdi's Traviata has all the elements an opera buff loves: romance, drama and a stunning score full of vivid melodies. The production is also the perfect entryway for those wishing to discover the Dubai Opera House – the opera, after all, played an important role in the chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman. Tickets begin from Dh195.
Thursday to Saturday, April 16 to 18: The Greatest Love of All
Whitney Houston fans shouldn't miss this. A partnership between Dubai Opera and Broadway Entertainment (the latter is responsible for bringing the anticipated Phantom of the Opera to Dubai), this is a tribute show fit for a diva. South African singer Belinda Davis will channel the singer's oeuvre in a two-hour show that will take you through Houston's extensive body of work. More than nostalgia, the show aims to showcase Houston's amazing vocal mastery of genres ranging from pop and RnB to gospel music. Expect all the hits from Houston's 40-year career including I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, How Will I Know, One Moment in Time. Tickets begin from Dh275.
