Riyadh, January 12, 2024, The Theatre and Performing Arts Commission has officially announced the much-anticipated production of "Zarqa Al Yamama," marking a historic moment as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prepares to unveil its first grand opera. This groundbreaking endeavor is set to be the world's largest grand opera in Arabic, featuring an ensemble of both international and locally trained artists.
Scheduled to debut in April in Riyadh, the production will run until the beginning of May, captivating audiences with the retelling of an ancient tale from pre-Islamic Arabia. "Zarqa Al Yamama" narrates the legendary story of a woman born into the Geddes tribe, endowed with the extraordinary gift of foresight. As the plot unfolds, the eponymous heroine endeavors to warn her leader and his advisors about an impending threat from a rival army poised to destroy her people.
The opera's original score, crafted by the talented Lee Bradshaw, and the libretto, penned by Saudi writer and poet Saleh Zamanan, promise to immerse audiences in a spectacular state-of-the-art production. Featuring sweeping orchestral and choral performances, delicate moments of beauty, and stunning vocals, the opera aims to create a truly immersive experience.
Dame Sarah Connolly, a world-acclaimed mezzo-soprano, will lead the principal vocal cast in the pivotal role of Zarqa Al Yamama. Notably, three of the main roles will be portrayed by Saudi artists Khayran Al Zahrani, Sawsan Albahiti, and Reemaz Oqbi, showcasing the remarkable progress of the Kingdom's national music program. The ensemble also boasts internationally renowned artists such as Clive Bayley, Amelia Wawrzon, Serena Farnocchia, Paride Cataldo, and George von Bergen.
The beautiful orchestrations will come to life through the Dresdner Sinfoniker, complemented by vocal accompaniments from the Czech Philharmonic Choir. Adding a visual spectacle to the production, stage director Daniele Finzi Pasca has crafted mesmerizing staging and special effects.
Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, emphasizes the importance of opera reaching new audiences and exposing the community to diverse art and culture. He describes staging "Zarqa Al Yamama" as a landmark moment in the Kingdom's cultural journey, foreseeing its potential to inspire a new generation of Saudi artists and showcase Saudi Arabia's rich culture to a global audience.
Saleh Zamanan, the Saudi poet responsible for the libretto, expresses pride in crafting an opera deeply rooted in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. He sees "Zarqa Al Yamama" as not only embodying a tragic depiction of ancient history but also symbolizing the sorrows of Arabs in today's world. Despite its poignant narrative, Zamanan emphasizes that the production is not devoid of hope, offering the promise of a bright and happy tomorrow.
