First Saudi-penned opera opens in Riyadh

The first Saudi-penned opera debuts in Riyadh, marking a significant cultural expansion in the desert kingdom. This pioneering production was once considered unthinkable but now represents a major milestone in the country’s artistic and creative development.

Once unthinkable, the pioneering production marks the latest cultural expansion in the desert kingdom.

Zarqa Al Yamama recounts the tale of a tribal matriarch in pre-Islamic Arabia, endowed with striking blue eyes and the ability to foresee the future. Despite her warnings of impending peril, her tribe disregards her, echoing a narrative with global significance, as stated by Ivan Vukcevic, the head of Arabian Opera. Established in Switzerland, the company aims to foster classical music in the Middle East.

Vukcevic underscores the universality of the narrative, emphasizing the central figure of a courageous female protagonist gifted with foresight, advocating for reason and love in the face of adversity, even at great personal cost. Describing it as an epic tragedy, he notes its familiarity to many in the Arabic-speaking world.

Initially surprised and intrigued by the proposal for a grand opera in Arabic two years prior, Mr. Vukcevic and his team eventually embraced the concept, recognizing its potential for cultural resonance and artistic expression.

They pondered how to reconcile the right-to-left writing direction of the Arabic language with the left-to-right orientation of Western classical music notation. However, the adoption of standardized romanization for Arabic provided a solution to this challenge.

The Arabic libretto was crafted by Saudi poet Saleh Zamanan, while Australian composer Lee Bradshaw composed the music.

Mr. Bradshaw explains, “The directive, as I understood it, was to create a Western opera infused with Arabic and specifically Saudi musical elements.”

He utilized the rhythmic cadence of Zamanan’s poetry as the foundation for the musical composition.

“I initiated the entire process by meticulously transcribing the rhythm of each line of poetry used in the opera. This served as the framework for composing all vocal melodies. From there, I progressed methodically to orchestrate,” he elaborates.

Dame Sarah Connolly, the British opera singer portraying the titular character Zarqa Al Yamama, expressed her apprehension about singing in Arabic, admitting to restless nights spent in worry. She dedicated months to collaborating with a Saudi language tutor to master the language.

Reflecting on the music composed by Lee, she noted its adept incorporation of familiar Arabic sounds and musical elements commonly found in popular music. She emphasized the use of recognizable modalities and instruments like the Ney flute and the oud guitar, which resonate with audiences in the Middle East.

Paolo Petrocelli, currently leading Dubai Opera, has played a pivotal role in advancing opera in the Middle East. He sees the creation of Zarqa Al Yamama as part of a broader trend in the region. Petrocelli highlights the remarkable growth of opera theater across the wider Gulf area, attributing it to a burgeoning appreciation for the performing arts. He underscores the region’s investment in cutting-edge venues and cultural initiatives, transforming it into a vibrant opera hub capable of attracting top talent and staging immersive productions.

“This advancement highlights the region’s dedication to nurturing artistic creativity and enhancing its cultural environment.”

Opera houses are present in Cairo, Damascus, Muscat, and Dubai, with Saudi Arabia also constructing a cutting-edge opera house as part of the revitalization of Riyadh’s historic Diriyah district.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in enhancing its cultural influence within the region and globally parallels comparable initiatives in sports and other sectors. Undoubtedly, there has been a substantive transformation – albeit not universally embraced by all Saudis – across various facets of daily life in the nation.

In offices, universities, and entertainment venues in Saudi Arabia, men and women now interact freely, without the presence of morality police enforcing the previously strict gender segregation norms.

In recent years, Riyadh has become a hub for extensive entertainment offerings, hosting numerous high-profile events that draw top talents from the Arab world and beyond. This marks a stark departure from a decade or two ago when public performances were exceptionally rare. Among these events is Middle Beast, a large-scale rave held regularly on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, now firmly integrated into Saudi society.

While these developments have garnered enthusiasm from many, conservative factions within the country lament the changes. Additionally, the high cost of tickets somewhat excludes the less affluent segments of society. Moreover, the weight of tradition remains significant in the kingdom, resulting in many young Saudis, particularly women, yet to fully embrace this new era of Saudi Arabia.

The emergence of the new Saudi Arabia has been marked by significant crackdowns on dissent, leading to severe sentences for individuals who have voiced criticism on social media. Additionally, the brutal killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 continues to loom over the kingdom’s reputation and that of the crown prince.

There’s been significant controversy surrounding the decision of renowned sports figures, such as Portuguese football sensation Ronaldo, to participate in events held in Saudi Arabia. Critics argue that such engagements amount to “sportswashing,” where major sporting events or celebrity appearances are used to deflect attention from a country’s human rights record. Similar criticisms have been leveled against celebrities in the realms of entertainment and culture.

Maryam al-Dossari, a Saudi activist, contends, “If Saudi Arabia truly intends to pursue social reforms, its foremost priority should be investing in essential areas such as education, healthcare, and basic human rights for those living below the poverty line.” She emphasizes that while endeavors like opera, cinema, and music festivals may be welcomed, they should not overshadow or serve as mere distractions from addressing fundamental social needs.

Sarah Leah Whitson, the executive director of Dawn, a human rights organization established by Jamal Khashoggi prior to his assassination, expresses even stronger criticism.

“The Saudi government’s enthusiastic promotion of the country as a liberal, modern nation through events such as this opera show sharply contrasts with its harsh and oppressive governance at home,” she remarked.

“It aims to project an image of progressivism while failing to exhibit progressive behavior.”

Composer Mr. Bradshaw, on the other hand, believes in the transcendent power of music beyond political boundaries.

“About 18 months ago, we visited to conduct auditions and witnessed hundreds of young Saudis auditioning for various roles, from dancers to musicians,” he recalled.

“It was truly inspiring to hear from some who expressed disbelief at the opportunity they were given. This reinforced my conviction that we must be here and make this happen.”

“I believe it’s crucial for culture to spread worldwide as it stands as one of the most powerful forces for unification.”

This groundbreaking production, blending traditional Saudi music with operatic storytelling, is taking the local arts scene by storm. The opera showcases the incredible talent and creativity of Saudi composers and musicians and marks a significant milestone in the country’s artistic journey.

It’s truly inspiring to witness such a momentous event and the growing recognition of diverse artistic expressions within the vibrant community of Riyadh. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the evolving artistic spirit in Saudi Arabia.

The opening of this opera is a clear indication of the expanding horizons of artistic exploration and innovation in the region. It’s an exciting time to be part of the cultural renaissance in Saudi Arabia, and this opera is undoubtedly a testament to the growing influence of local creativity on the global stage.

This historic moment calls for celebration as it paves the way for a new chapter in the rich tapestry of Saudi artistic endeavors. Let’s continue to embrace and support the flourishing arts scene in Saudi Arabia as it continues to captivate audiences and break new ground. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking production!

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