I’m thrilled to share with you all a piece of exciting news that marks a significant milestone in the world of opera and the arts. I had the distinct honour of being invited to attend the launch event at the Goldsmiths Hall, London, of “Zarqa Al Yamama,” the first grand opera from Saudi Arabia, set to premiere in Riyadh from April 25 to May 4. This event, organized by the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia, is under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural evolution and global arts.
“Zarqa Al Yamama” is inspired by a legendary story from pre-Islamic Arabia about a woman of the Geddes tribe, known for her foresight and attempt to warn her leader of an impending threat. The opera beautifully intertwines Arabic and Western musical traditions, promising an unprecedented experience for audiences worldwide. The production features an original score by Lee Bradshaw and a libretto by Saudi writer and poet Saleh Zamanan, with Dame Sarah Connolly playing the lead role. The cast also includes renowned artists such as Khayran Al Zahrani, Sawsan Albahiti, Reemaz Oqbi, Clive Bayley, Amelia Wawrzon, Serena Farnocchia, Paride Cataldo, and George von Bergen, with the Dresdner Sinfoniker and the Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno providing musical accompaniment.
The launch event at Goldsmiths Hall in London was not just a celebration of this pioneering opera but also a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula and its stories waiting to be told on the global stage. The opera’s director, Daniele Finzi Pasca, along with the international cast and crew, underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify cultural exposure and reach new audiences, making it a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s cultural evolution.
The anticipation for “Zarqa Al Yamama” extends beyond its historical significance; it represents a new chapter in the arts, blending traditional tales with modern expressions to create something truly unique. As someone passionate about the arts and cultural exchange, I am profoundly moved by the dedication and creativity behind this project and look forward to seeing its impact on the world stage.
This opera is not just a performance; it’s a bridge between cultures, a dialogue through music and storytelling, and a celebration of heritage and innovation. I was incredibly excited to be at its launch and to see how it contributes to the growing global appreciation of opera and the arts. “Zarqa Al Yamama” promises to be a landmark event, and I am thrilled to have been a part of its journey from the very beginning.
It was a wonderful evening and I would like to wish all involved Toi Toi Toi !
Congratulations, Charlotte, enjoy your trip! 😊❤️
Sadly John, I’m not going to see the actual performance, it was the launch event in London that I was invited to. Dame Sarah Connolly was there singing and I bumped into Peter Gelb from the Metropolitan Opera House he was a VIP guest, I don’t think I should have popped along to say hi but well….in for penny … as the expression goes.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oh, I’m sorry that you aren’t going. Oops, my mistake. Have a great new week, Charlotte m! 😊😊😊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
What a major cultural and musical milestone to be a part of. You are a perfect ambassador for building cultural bridges.
Thank you Timothy, how nice of you to say so. I was thrilled to be invited, when I asked for the reason I was told « you are our guest ». I can only dream about singing in Saudi Arabia.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I would venture to add, they obviously know a humble, appreciative, and gracious guest when they see one.
Congratulations!! I am so very excited for you, Charlotte. Looking forward to hearing more about this event upon your return.
Oh I wish I was invited to the actual showing, I was only invited to the launch event which was spectacular enough.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It will be an unforgettable experience for you!!!
Wishing you much success.
Thank you Jovina, I wish I knew how to audition for roles in this new opera house I would very much like a December tour in Saudia Arabia.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That’s outstanding! Congratulations Charlotte ❤️
WOW! How exciting. Congratulations. So well deserved.
I honestly don’t know where my name was picked up from but it was an experience I couldn’t miss.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congrats 🎉
Thank you, it’s quite unusual to get an invitation to a premiere 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🧡🧡
Cool that your were invited to the launch event of “Zarqa Al Yamama”! I am not 100% sure of how such an event goes down – was there any music from the opera performed, a tiny taste of what people going to the premiere can expect? No matter, I know it was special to be there at the beginning.
Yes, that is what happened, a tiny taste, Dame Sarah Connolly made a speech as she is the lead role and other singers from the opera were there and the composer who spoke. I was itching to get up to sing hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
lol, I could well imagine that you were ready to get up and sing!
How exciting! What an honor for you. I smile deeply watching your career be filled with such remarkable experiences. Oh, the lives you touch. xoxo
I read an article once about Harrison Ford and how he was a carpenter between acting jobs and worked for Francis Coppola when George Lucas walked in to start the interviews for Star Wars and he eventually became Han Solo. Sometimes life just throws up curve balls. I love learning about new things so and sometimes the universe has someone it wants you to meet.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations, Charlotte! This is very exciting and great news. Wishing you all the best!
It would be more exciting if I were in the production, only joking. Events like these just give me a way of meeting people otherwise opportunities are slim.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, it’s superb when art rises above the mud of politics – We must hope that this sparks numerous international exchanges around this new scene and that this movement can also benefit the populations of Arabia and change the Company.
Best thoughts to you!
We all need more love in this world. Hopefully cultural meetings will help to facilitate that.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How lovely to be invited to the launch of this opera and innovative project! I hope that it is a great success and is the beginning of more ventures.
Thank you, Clare, sometimes you just have to step outside comfort zones and go for it, I was a little daunted being invited solo but I soon settled down, reconnected with an old friend and got a chance to hear what the new opera house plans are.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations. I think you are very good at networking at they say these days.
So important in your “Milieu”.
(What an odd language French be, imagine saying in English “so important in your middle”. 😉)
Yes, I agree, Brian; I am so pleased with the sales training I received in my jobs during college and university terms. As a consequence of that I enjoy network events and aren’t nervous about meeting new people.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That was a very good training in todays’ world. I thought about you (and George) as I finished a short story this week-end. Coming up soon. Have a lovely week.
Fabulous Charlotte!
What an honour to be a guest.
Next, you will be performing in an Opera that bridges worlds and cultures.
I do believe that the arts transcend.
Thank you for sharing this.
You’re amazing!!!
❦❦❦
I’d love to Resa be given an opportunity to sing there, but in the winter, when it’s a bit colder hehe. I’m working on creating a more secure life for us and keep moving forward. I trust the universe’s plan and just accept every opportunity possible and try to make the best of that.
Best wishes
Charlotte
This opera sounds amazing . Such an honour . Congratulations!
Thank you 😊 When I first got the invitation I asked in what capacity I was invited, was it as a blogger? The response was no you are our guest, so I just thought great no pressure lets go for it. If life reflects choices I make then bring it on.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So well described
Thank you Derrick I took a course to improve my expressive writing in order to help to write the scripts for operas, I am trying to apply those new skills I learnt in my blog writing.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It is working
Wonderful event and congratulations that you were invited!
Thank you 😊it was quite an extraordinary experience. I hope you are keeping well.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations Charlotte! What an amazing experience that must have been. The storyline sounds amazing – do you think you could do one of your synopsis posts about it later? If you have time, of course! Thanks.
Best regards,
Cate
Great idea, Cate. I will try to add to the post; I have some new photos to update the post with. I’m devoting a lot of time to the next level of British Sign Language, upgrading my piano skills and I’ve even just been gifted a violin to improve those skills (a new year’s resolution). I hope that you and all the family are doing well, if you’re ever near Greenwich message me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations, Charlotte, for being invited to such an event! Cultural bridgebuilding is an occupation that deserves recognition. Zarqa Al Yamama sure is an interesting historical person.
I read a quote, I think it was on Instagram and saved it Fears are not walls, they are hurdles. We must make the world more peaceful and as you say build cultural bridges.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Quite an honor, Charlotte, and what a spectacular event. You looked lovely, as always, and I’m sure the opera was music to your ears! (pun!)
Thank you, Noelle; I followed a YouTube video on how to put my own hair up and just kept my fingers crossed it didn’t drop out. I wanted to join them singing 😊. Sometimes the strangest things enter my life unexpectedly.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, congratulations Charlotte. To be part of the launch is something and they thought of you. Next step be on that stage showing them how it’s done.
I’ve given up on seeing a potential break in every event, however, even saying that it’s up to me to enjoy every opportunity to do or see something different and I did. I sat there thinking I could sing that hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Most impressive, Charlotte, and I’m so happy for you to be on the first part of the journey.
Like you, I appreciate all efforts for artists of good will to build cultural bridges…well done.
Bravo!
I’ve had so many great experiences this past, Sheila. I have been blessed with some of the opportunities I’ve been presented with. Lots of curve balls 😊. Nothing that I thought would be a path has been as I planned. I sang on Friday totally unplanned for a group of people; I hadn’t rehearsed, and I hadn’t even warmed up; a couple of years ago, I’d have hesitated and worried it wouldn’t be perfect. I’m learning to let go of that and getting back to how I was.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sometimes in life we are not what we hoped we would be, but I am sure you were just what the “unplanned” group needed. Onward.