Dubai Opera unveils a stellar line-up for the upcoming season

Take your pick and book tickets now.

Dubai Opera is the UAE’s ultimate hotspot for all things performing arts. Referred to as the House of Cultures, the opulent downtown venue attracts artists and art lovers from all over the world. The upcoming fall/winter season lineup features everything from breathtaking opera performances to symphonic masterpieces and classical ballet.

Swan Lake: 8 to 10 September

The Hungarian State Opera and Hungarian National Ballet are teaming up to bring their jaw-dropping rendition of Swan Lake to Dubai. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless tale of passion and magic in just one unforgettable performance. It’s like stepping into a fairytale, with stunning dance moves, mesmerising music and pure theatrical magic.

Madama Butterfly 12 to 13 September

Brace yourself for a tale filled with love, sacrifice, and clashes of cultures that will tug at your heartstrings with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The Hungarian State Opera is pulling out all the stops to deliver a performance that will leave you breathless. It’s a mesmerising journey that’ll transport you to a world of passion and turmoil.

Gilberto Gil: 29 September 

The one and only Gilberto Gil is embarking on his epic farewell tour and he’s coming to Dubai. Joined by his incredibly talented family, Gilberto is about to blow your mind with a performance that’ll have you dancing in the aisles. It’s a party you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Matilda: 3 to 15 October

Adapted by Roald Dahl’s best-seller, Matilda The Musical is making its debut in the UAE. Getting ready to wow thousands of fans, The Royal Shakespeare Company will bring the likes of Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull and, of course, Matilda to the stage. This family-friendly musical is making its way to the Dubai Opera for two weeks only — starting 3 October, so make sure you snag your tickets now.

David Garrett: 26 October

Get ready for a thrilling ride with David Garrett. This violinist knows how to bring the house down with his electrifying performances and we guarantee you’ll be mesmerised when he seamlessly blends classical and contemporary music, creating a symphony of epic proportions. It’s a musical journey that will leave you breathless and begging for an encore.

Kenny Garrett: 28 October

Prepare to be transported to a world of smooth jazz and infectious beats with Kenny Garrett. His soulful saxophone solos will have you swaying in your seat and tapping your feet so get ready to groove and experience the magic.

Macbeth: 3 to 5 November

The fabulous ETT theatre company is bringing the spine-chilling tragedy, Macbeth, to Dubai. You’ll be etched to the edge of your seats as Macbeth dives headfirst into a wild and treacherous quest for power and redemption. It’s a riveting performance that’ll leave you breathless and craving for more theatrical thrills.

Ali Sethi: 11 November

Prepare to have your heart stolen by the soulful voice of Ali Sethi. This musical genius effortlessly blends classical and contemporary Pakistani music, creating a fusion that will blow your mind. Remember the global chart-topping number, Pasoori? He’s sure to bring that back to the Dubai crowd.

Jethro Tull: 24 November

Brace yourselves for the ultimate blast from the past as the legendary rock band Jethro Tull takes Dubai by storm. They’re ready to unleash their iconic sound and mind-blowing progressive rock masterpieces so get ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

Teatro alla Scala Orchestra: 1 December

Just in time for COP28, the Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan will make its debut in the UAE with a gala concert, A Concert for Tomorrow. With a promise to protect the planet, this event will bring forth work by Italian opera maestros, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and Pietro Mascagni. World-class soprano Aida Garifullina and acclaimed tenor Piero Pretti will take to the stage under the guidance of Michele Gamba.

Slava’s SNOWSHOW: 8 to 10 December

Indulge in out-of-this-world experience as Slava’s SNOWSHOW hits Dubai for the first time. This enchanting show is a treat for both young and old, whisking you away to a world of pure imagination and nostalgia.

The Nutcracker: 15 to 17 December

You must have watched The Nutcracker a gazillion times and now’s your chance again. The Ballet Theatre and State Opera Orchestra of Astana from Kazakhstan is inviting you to relive the magic at the Dubai Opera. So snag your tickets now and follow the journey of Clara as her nutcracker comes alive on Christmas. 

Tinariwen: 12 December

Tinariwen, the Grammy-winning superstar from Mali, is coming to Dubai to sweep you away with their irresistible beats and soulful tunes. Brace yourself for a fusion of traditional African music and blues that’ll make your heart sing and your feet dance. 

Matteo Bocelli: 21 December

Following in his famous father’s footsteps, Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli is about to take the world by storm. Prepare to be serenaded with a mix of classical and contemporary tunes that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra: 1 January

Celebrated Austrian violinist and conductor, Julian Rachlin leads the charge for the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at the upcoming Dubai show. Featuring a diverse cast of singers from the Middle East, this performance promises a cultural exchange while also advocating tolerance, inclusivity, and harmony.

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells: 12 January

Get ready to turn your rock on with Mike Oldfield as he makes his way to Dubai. Offering a celebration unlike any other, this evening promises to take you back in time and relive some of your best days from the past. And we all know how good nostalgia feels.

Ludovico Einaudi: 19-21 January

Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi is heading to Dubai for three nights and three nights alone. Get ready to be spellbound by this keyboard genius as he takes the stage for an exquisite evening of musical brilliance.

The Little Prince: 26 to 28 January

Head on a “celestial” journey as the imaginative adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince, makes its way to Dubai. Set in the desert, Dubai provides a nearly perfect backdrop for this stage show. Prepare to think like a child once again as the little prince sparks an innocent curiosity in you. 

La Scala Theatre Ballet School Debut: 17 to 18 February

One of the world’s best ballet academies, La Scala Theatre Ballet School from Milan, is making a petit saut to Dubai. With an intriguing performance that’s yet to be disclosed, know that you’re in for quite the ballet experience. Why are we so sure you ask? Because it’s produced stars like Roberto Bolle and Jacopo Tisci. Need we say more?

The Phantom of the Opera: 22 February to 10 March

Back by popular demand, The Phantom of the Opera will return to Dubai and captivate spectators with its powerful storytelling. Taking place in late February 2024, this musical is one that you absolutely must re-watch.

Alice Sara Ott – Echoes of Life: 24 April

German-Japanese pianist Alice Sara Ott is gearing up to transport the audience through a musical journey unlike any other. Prepare to witness Echoes of Life, her latest album that shines a light on classical music with a contemporary take.

Incognito: 25 April

If you’re a fan of Incognito, you already know that they’re headed to Dubai next year. Bringing you the best of jazz, funk and soul, this performance will make you want to groove. So mark your calendars, for this jazz band is swinging into the desert soon.

MusicAeterna & Teodor Currentzis: 27 to 28 April

MusicAeterna, one of the world’s most celebrated orchestra ensembles, will be at the Dubai Opera for two shows paying homage to Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Germany’s Richard Wagner. Led by the world-class Teodor Currentzis, prepare to be mesmerised by a symphony that’s guaranteed to leave you fascinated.

A Special Concert with Ravi Coltrane: 30 April

Coinciding with International Jazz Day, prepare to welcome saxophonist Ravi Coltrane on stage at the Dubai Opera. Offers a fresh take on old-school jazz, this evening promises an innovative musical experience that is not to be missed.

Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica: 3 May

Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer and the award-winning Kremerata Baltica Orchestra are all set to enchant you with timeless and exquisite classical chamber music next May. If you love orchestras, this will be like music to your ears.

Official Concert Celebration of Ennio Morricone: 9 to 10 May

Paying an ode to the Italian composer Ennio Morricone, this concert is one to look out for. Taking the stage will be none other than the Morricone heir — Andrea Morricone, ready to captivate you with beautiful melodies.

Dubai Comedy Festival: TBA

Like its predecessors, the Dubai Comedy Festival returns in 2024 with a hilarious lineup once again. Who will it be this time? We’ll have to wait to find out. But going by the last couple of editions featuring Russell Peters, Jimmy Carr, Vir Das, Zakir Khan, Atsoku Okatsuka and many others, this one is going to be quite star-studded as well.

John Williams and Hans Zimmer Live: 10 to 12 May

John Williams and Hans Zimmer will come live to perform the background score for Star Wars: A New Hope and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl as the films are screening at the Dubai Opera. You’ll quite literally feel like you’re in the movie. End the week on a sweet note with a screening of a Chaplin classic, The Kid.

Chris Botti: 19 May

Grammy-winner Chris Botti is all set to captivate the Dubai crowd with trumpeting skills. Get ready to groove to some classy jazz tunes and soul-stirring ballads as he takes to Dubai Opera on 19 May.

Rome Opera Ballet: 25 to 26 May

Making its debut in Dubai, the Rome Opera Ballet will bring its exceptional performance of Les deux nuits with Dior-crafted costumes. Featuring exquisite designs by Dior mastermind Maria Grazia Chiuri, these designs will shine a brighter light on haute couture and artistic expression.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.