Dubai Opera has outlined a varied early-year programme, with theatre, live music and ballet forming the core of its schedule. The season brings together long-running international productions, short-format concert series and a single-date ballet performance with a strong fashion and contemporary dance component.
Spanning February through March, the programme positions the venue as a key fixture in the city’s cultural calendar during the first quarter of the year. Here are five shows to look out for:
MODANSE featuring Svetlana Zakharova
Dubai Opera will host MODANSE on 8 March, a one-night-only double bill presented by M Premiere and MuzArts. Prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova leads a stellar ensemble from the Bolshoi Ballet across two acts: Come Un Respiro, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti to the music of Handel, and Gabrielle Chanel, a 60-minute tribute to the legendary couturier choreographed by Yury Possokhov. CHANEL’s Fashion Studio designed over 85 bespoke costumes exclusively for the production.
Quick Summary:
- 🩰 Type: Contemporary ballet
- 📅 Date: 8 March
- 🌍 Company: Bolshoi Ballet
- 👗 Costumes: CHANEL fashion studio
- 🎶 Format: Double bill
Wicked the Musical
Running from 28 January to 15 February, Wicked the Musical anchors the opening weeks of the season. The Broadway production revisits the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, set before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Known for its long international touring history, the show combines large-scale staging with a narrative centred on power, loyalty and reputation.
Quick Summary:
- 🎭 Type: Musical theatre
- 📅 Dates: 28 January–15 February
- 📍 Venue: Dubai Opera main auditorium
- 🎶 Music: Stephen Schwartz
- 🌍 Production: International touring cast
Dubai Opera Jazz Studio
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Scheduled between 6 and 14 February, the Jazz Studio offers a smaller-scale counterpoint to the headline productions. Hosted in a more intimate setting, the series focuses on live jazz performances rather than large-format shows. While individual line-ups vary, the format prioritises close audience engagement and stripped-back staging.
Quick Summary:
- 🎷 Type: Live jazz series
- 📅 Dates: 6–14 February
- 🎶 Format: Intimate performances
- 📍 Venue: Dubai Opera studio theatre
Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff: Strings & Dreams
Presented on 15 February, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff: Strings & Dreams forms part of the orchestral strand of the programme. Timed around Valentine’s weekend, the concert centres on romantic-era compositions performed by a live string ensemble. Rather than theatrical spectacle, the focus is placed on repertoire and musicianship.
Quick Summary:
- 🎻 Type: Classical concert
- 📅 Date: 15 February
- 🎼 Composers: Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff
- 📍 Venue: Dubai Opera
Yuja Wang, Piano recital
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