Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The capital city of Riyadh is abuzz with excitement as preparations are underway for the premiere performance of the highly anticipated opera, “Zarqa Al-Yamama.” Scheduled to debut on April 25 at the prestigious theater of the King Fahd Cultural Center, the opera is poised to make history as the first grand opera produced in the Kingdom and the largest Arabic grand opera ever staged.
Produced by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, “Zarqa Al-Yamama” taps into the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, presenting a timeless tale rooted in pre-Islamic Arabian legend. The opera revolves around the legendary figure of Zarqa al-Yamama, a woman from the Geddes tribe known for her remarkable foresight and sharp intuition. The story unfolds as Zarqa endeavors to warn her leader about an impending enemy attack, facing skepticism along the way.
Renowned mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly leads the cast in the titular role, alongside a stellar lineup of Saudi and international actors and musicians. The opera features an original score by composer Lee Bradshaw and a libretto penned by Saudi writer and poet Saleh Zamanan, promising a captivating blend of orchestral and choral music, intricate storytelling, and powerful vocal performances.
Key roles in the production are also portrayed by talented Saudi performers, including Khayran Al Zahrani, Sawsan Albahiti, and Reemaz Oqbi, portraying the advancements of Saudi Arabia’s national music program.
The announcement of the Zarqa Al-Yamama Opera was celebrated with an official ceremony at Goldsmiths Hall in London, under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the commission, Badr bin Abdullah. The production aims to fuse Arabic and Western musical traditions in an unprecedented manner, poised to leave a lasting impact on the global cultural landscape.
With anticipation building and tickets set to go on sale soon, Riyadh awaits the arrival of this monumental production, ready to witness history in the making as “Zarqa Al-Yamama” takes center stage.