With Zarqa Al Yamama, the Dresdner Sinfoniker will perform Saudi Arabia’s first grand opera. Music, singing, theatre and dance were only permitted to return to the country in 2017. The most significant opera production in Arabic to date is an international collaboration that unites globally acclaimed stars with Saudi artists. Under the artistic direction of Pablo González, the English mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly, in the title role of Zarqa Al Yamama, will be joined by the Saudi artists Khayran Al Zahrani (tenor), Sawsan Albahiti (soprano) and Reemaz Oqbi (soprano). The international cast also includes Clive Bayley (bass), Amelia Wawrzon (soprano), Serena Farnocchia (soprano), Paride Cataldo (tenor) and George von Bergen (baritone). Saudi writer and poet Saleh Zamanan wrote the libretto, and Australian composer Lee Bradshaw composed the music.

Zarqa Al Yamama, based on a pre-Islamic tale, tells the story of a young woman from the Geddes tribe who possesses the gift of foresight. In this legendary tale, the heroine predicts the imminent arrival of a rival army. Despite her desperate attempts to warn her tribe of the impending danger, her efforts are in vain. Daniele Finzi Pasca, the director of the Compagnia of the same name, directs the play. The Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno adds another layer of artistic expression to the opera.

The multi-week guest performance is an international encounter in which curiosity becomes the driving force behind artistic excellence. With the participation of numerous Saudi musicians, classical opera meets Arabic musical tradition. The Dresdner Sinfoniker support this rapprochement through concrete cultural exchange in the opera and beyond. In cooperation with the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy in Riyadh, accompanying activities and encounters with Saudi residents are planned.