The newly opened Dubai Opera held its first performance yesterday, where a lucky few were able to witness a breathtaking performance by world-class tenor Plácido Domingo.

With tickets for the first show at Dubai Opera selling out in just three hours when they went on sale in April this year, guests were welcomed from 6pm with canapés and beverages before taking their seats for the performance of a lifetime.

Jasper Hope, chief executive of Dubai Opera said: "Tonight was a musical moment in history. Dubai Opera looked stunningly beautiful tonight and those fortunate enough to be inside can confirm it sounded spectacular with a wonderful performance by the legendary Plácido Domingo. We are very much looking forward to welcoming many more people to the venue over the next few days, weeks and months and firmly intend for Dubai Opera to make a major and lasting contribution for the future."

Set to host an incredible range of world-class talent already, Dubai Opera can seat up to 2,000 people for opera, theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, film, sports events and seasonal programmes and is the centrepiece of The Opera District.

The iconic Dubai opera celebrated its soft opening yesterday (August 31) and will mark its grand inauguration later this year with many new fascinating attractions including a specially commissioned public realm art and several lifestyle choices.

“Dubai Opera is our tribute to the positivity and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to firmly underline our city as a vibrant global cultural hub that attracts talent from around the world,” said Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties - developer of the new cultural attraction.

“Great performing art venues are cultural catalysts,” said Alabbar. “They increase the sense of collective identity, connect people to build social capital, strengthen the values of diversity and tolerance, encourage members to participate in the arts, and promote neighbourhood cultural diversity.

“With the opening of Dubai Opera, the city is now uniquely positioned to gain significant socio-economic benefits that once again highlight Emaar’s lasting contribution to the city’s economy,” he said.

“The iconic Dubai Opera complements the Dubai Tourism Vision announced by His Highness to welcome over 20 million annual visitors by the turn of the decade, and supports the cultural ambitions of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is expected to host over 25 million visitors. It also fulfils the central pillar of the Dubai Plan 2021 to build a city of happy, creative and empowered people by providing rich cultural experiences,” Alabbar added.

With Dubai fast becoming a global arts hub with a remarkable increase in the number of art galleries and arts events, Dubai Opera will catalyse the growth of the creative industries in the city, he said.

The Dubai Opera programme is available to view online and tickets to The Pearl Fishers, The Barber of Seville, Opera Without Words, Coppélia, Giselle, Postcards from Vienna, Mozart Gala, Impossible, José Carreras, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, Sara Baras, Anoushka Shankar, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, The Nutcracker on Ice and Slava's Snowshow can be purchased online at https://www.dubaiopera.com. - TradeArabia News Service