Riyadh: May 01, 2024, Zarqa al-Yamamah, the first grand opera produced in Saudi Arabia and sung exclusively in Arabic, had its inaugural performance last Thursday at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
The opera tells the story of Zarqa, a blue-eyed visionary from the Jadis tribe who lived in the pre-Islamic era and foretold a crushing attack by a rival tribe that threatened to decimate her people.
Produced by the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission, the opera was brought to the stage through a collaboration between Saudi and international talents. Award-winning Saudi poet Saleh Zamanan wrote the Arabic libretto, while the music is composed by Australian composer Lee Bradshaw and the opera is directed by Swiss theatrical director Daniele Finzi Pasca.
The Dresdner Sinfoniker Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Choir perform the musical pieces of the opera. Fashion designer Giovanna Buzzi and her team designed the costumes that reflect the spirit of the opera and the visual aesthetics of the pre-Isl
amic era.
The role of Zarqa is performed by world-acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, who learned Arabic specifically to perform this role; other performers include renowned international artists like Aleksandar Stefanoski, Serena Farnocchia, Amelia Wawrzon, George von Bergen and Paride Cataldo, as well as Saudi singers Khayran Al Zahrani, Sawsan Albahiti, and Reemaz Oqbi.
Through Zarqa al-Yamamah, the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission aims to introduce the Arab cultural heritage to the world, enrich the national artistic scene, and inspire more Saudis to opt for careers in the arts.
The production will run until May 4. Tickets may be reserved via the link: https://dc.moc.gov.sa/home/event-tickets/208/zarqaa-al-yamama-opera/
Source: Saudi Press Agency