Placido Domingo inaugurates Dubai Opera House

The Dubai Opera House, a multifunctional theater designed by the Atkins group, opened on August 31, 2016, with a concert by legendary tenor Placido Domingo. The dhow-shaped building, completed in just over four years, symbolizes the traditional Persian Gulf vessel. Domingo was accompanied by soprano Ana Maria Martinez and the Orchestra of the Teatro Verdi di Trieste, conducted by Eugene Khon. The program included works by Wagner, Verdi, and musicals like My Fair Lady and West Side Story. CEO Jasper Hope, formerly of the Royal Opera Hall in London, aims to balance international excellence with local appeal, adapting productions like Rossini's Barber of Seville for a less experienced audience. The venue will host international ballet, musicals, and classical music, while also promoting Arab artists. The opening night drew a full house with impeccable acoustics.