Dubai: Since the curtain rose on its first performances and Dubai Opera first lit its stage, the venue has become much more than a destination for artistic events and special occasions. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant home for culture and the arts, where cultures meet and languages, music and creativity intersect.
Over the course of 10 years, the cultural venue has established itself as one of Dubai’s most prominent landmarks, benefiting from a city that continues to grow and reinvent itself. As Dubai Opera enters a new decade, it is looking to expand its presence and influence, building on the legacy of its first 10 years and its ambitions for the future to create cultural experiences that reflect the spirit of Dubai and its global diversity.
As its first decade of creative productions drew to a close, Lara Ewing took over as President of Dubai Opera and Executive Director of Culture and Performing Arts.
“Dubai Opera is a constantly evolving institution that strives to provide the best experiences for our audience. We are building on the distinguished vision set by the Board of Directors of this cultural landmark in the heart of Dubai, as well as the legacy left by the previous team, for the continuous development of the opera’s performance programmes,” she said.
Ewing explained that the work of the previous decade focused on consolidating Dubai Opera’s position in the cultural and economic landscape of Downtown Dubai and the wider region.
The next phase will focus on growth, listening to audiences, expanding the range of performances and continuing to provide a space where people, cultures, emotions, ideas and wonder come together.
Special blend
Discussing Dubai Opera’s role in the emirate’s cultural scene, Ewing expressed her enthusiasm for the local and regional voices featuring prominently this season.
These include a 10th anniversary concert presented by Fatima Saeed, featuring a selection of renowned classical opera pieces alongside popular Arabic songs by singers including Dalida and Fairouz. The season also features the Emirates National Orchestra, which incorporates regional musical instruments, and a choir comprising talent from Dubai.
Ewing said the combination reflected the diversity of the new season’s programme and its appeal to a wide range of tastes.
She also praised Dubai Opera’s partnerships with several organisations, including the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Department of Economy and Tourism, and other government and private entities. These partnerships, she said, have provided essential support for Dubai Opera’s achievements during the first 10 years of its journey.
The biggest challenge
Ewing said one of the biggest challenges in presenting shows is the limited number of weekends, with holidays being the preferred time for many visitors to attend performances.
She said the upcoming season focuses on bringing together different cultures, languages and art forms. Its programme includes Marilyn Naaman, the Amy Winehouse Band and Guy Manoukian, as well as the opera “The Marriage of Figaro”.
The programme brings together Dubai-based performers and international artists on the Dubai Opera stage.
A range of shows will also be presented there for the first time, including a performance by Benjamin Clementine, the physical theatre production “Titis Dream of Venice” and the first official tour of the Bolshoi Company.
Several popular shows will also return, alongside artists whom audiences have become accustomed to seeing from season to season.
Arabic performances expand
On balancing classical opera with contemporary musical genres that appeal to a wider audience, Ewing emphasised Dubai Opera’s flexibility. The space can transform from an acoustic concert hall into a venue for lively musical performances, allowing audiences to stand and dance.
Productions such as “Ministry of Sound Classics”, she said, demonstrate how the two worlds can be effectively combined.
While Dubai Opera began with international performances, the space devoted to Arabic productions has expanded from season to season.
Ewing said: “The seasonal performances presented in this cultural landmark develop through listening to the audience. We have received large numbers of attendees at exceptional Arabic performances, including, for example, the play (Al Khiran Park). We look forward to cooperating with our partners to present more regional artistic performances on our stage.
“We always hope that the audience leaves with a sense of belonging to the community and human connection, and that the audience realises the power of culture and its impact, because this impact is the real addition to the splendour of the experience they live.”
That connection with audiences is something Ewing observes personally after performances.
“After every show presented on the Dubai Opera stage, I make sure to dedicate a moment to watching the audience,” she said.
For Ewing, the scene serves as a reminder of the importance of creating lasting memories. She believes bringing people together to experience different cultures, art forms and ideas creates joy that can extend into everyday life, while strengthening tolerance, mutual understanding and humanity.
A journey with creativity
Ewing’s relationship with Dubai Opera dates back to its opening in 2016, when she helped develop programming strategies, systems and event-management procedures for the new venue.
Over the following years, she helped coordinate and manage projects for more than 600 shows and 200 artistic productions, collaborating with leading artistic institutions, producers and international artists while creating opportunities for local artists, students and members of the community.
Ewing has nearly two decades of experience working in the GCC and Australia, bringing together artists, audiences, government entities, commercial partners and cultural institutions to create cultural experiences designed to have an impact while remaining commercially sustainable.
Outside Dubai Opera, she has held leadership positions in the entertainment and cultural sectors internationally. As General Manager of Broadway Entertainment Group, she managed several high-profile productions and international tours, including Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s “The Phantom of the Opera”, “The Little Prince” and “Slava’s Snow Show” in Europe and the GCC.