This week, I had the pleasure of attending the premiere of Zarqa Al Yamama at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event marks the first grand opera to be staged in the Kingdom, and I was delighted to witness this historic moment for opera.
Saudi Arabia has embraced opera to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by the epic folk tale that forms the backbone of Zarqa Al Yamama. The opera tells the story of ancient tribal communities and the electrifying characters who populate this legend. At its heart is Zarqa, a blue-eyed woman endowed with the power of foresight, who foresees her tribe—the Jadis—meeting a tragic fate at the hands of an army disguised as marching trees. Despite the absurdity of her vision, it tragically comes to pass. In a hopeful twist, Zarqa passes on a piece of antimony (a lustrous, grey metalloid) to Afira, the last surviving member of the Jadis, suggesting that her powers will live on.
The opera weaves themes of love and vengeance throughout its narrative – it is an opera, after all. Before their downfall, the Jadis are oppressed by the tyrannical King Amliq of Tassam, who decrees he must bed all virgins before their marriage. Afira falls victim to this cruel rule. In a bold act of retribution, her brother, Ben Afar Al Asward, not only assassinates the king but also leads a brutal attack against the king’s tribe, the Tassam. While successful, the tribe spares Riyah Ibn Murra, the king’s attendant and Zarqa’s brother. Regrettably, it is Riyah who later betrays them, leading to their ultimate destruction.
Dame Sarah Connolly’s portrayal of Zarqa was nothing short of mesmerising. Her rich, warm tone and radiant stage presence brought each emotional moment to life with exquisite detail, offering a masterclass to local emerging talents such as Khayran Al Zahrani, Reemaz Oqbi, and Sawan Albahiti.
Daniele Finzi Pasca, the opera’s Creative Concept and Stage director, crafted visually striking moments. Notably, Zarqa’s entrance in a vast cloak reaching towards the heavens and King Amliq’s menacing approach to the proscenium arch alongside his threatening tribesmen underscored by thunderous drums were particularly impactful. The visual motif of silver trees used as camouflage poignantly recalled Shakespeare’s prophecy in Macbeth, creating a familiar yet novel connection to the story.
Lee Bradshaw’s musical composition incorporated melodies suggestive of traditional Saudi roots amongst a modern tonal landscape. The opera company wisely collaborated with established ensembles like the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno and the Dresdner Sinfoniker to benefit from their collective experience. Both ensembles showcased their talents effectively under the skilled baton of Conductor Pablo Gonzalez. As a soprano, I would have appreciated a standout aria to learn or perform; however, the trio performed by the sopranos on the eve of Afira’s wedding showed great potential for inclusion in an “Opera Scene Showcase” held by a Music Conservatoire.
I am grateful to the Saudi Royal Family and Mr Sultan Al Bazie for their commitment to enriching the arts by investing in opera. This production celebrates cultural union and positions opera as a vibrant, relevant art form. It is also great that they are investing in a new opera house, creating new jobs in the industry for local and international talent. I would love to return to Riyadh once the opera house is completed.
Performed in Arabic, Zarqa Al Yamama is a feast for the senses, with performances scheduled from 25 April to 5 May 2024.
This was a huge production by the look of the stage, I’m glad that you had the opportunity to participate, Charlotte! ❤️
It was huge John, absolutely stunning and I got to meet the stage design director Daniele Finzi Pasca earlier in the day, it had an ensemble of dancers, choir alongside the soloists, a very large cast. Each scene had carefully selected props which were made locally.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I would love to come and see you sing, Charlotte! Have a great week. 😊☺️
Thank you John 🙂
That dress is stunning, and you look gorgeous!
Thank you Martin, I was amazed that I could wear it as I already had this dress in my wardrobe, I’d bought it years ago in Paris near Montmartre and my Mum told me off for buying it because she said I’d never wear it haha. It was the perfect colour to match the posters and marketing (I knew the dress would come in useful).
Best wishes
Charlotte
I couldn’t agree more! Blue is definitely Charlotte’s color – stunning!
Wow, great ! Congrats. Je suis sure que tu y retournera et que tu fera des triomphes !!!!! xx
The best or you my friend !
Merci beaucoup Pascal, who knows what the future holds, they have invested a great deal in the art form and I’m very interested to see how it progresses there.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks like it was a great production. The costumes and staging look spectacular. You look sensational in the blue dress.
Thank you Timothy, the costumes and staging were fabulous, they did a great job of distinguishing the different tribes by their costumes and it was very clear to me who was who. The silver tree props was a particularly powerful moment.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, how cool and wonderful that you were able to attend the premiere!! I wondered when you talked about it before, but since it is in Saudi Arabia, I thought perhaps not. But there you were at that historic event! Thank you for the report and synopsis of the opera 🙂 The dress (thobe?) you are wearing is beautiful.
I know I pinched myself too when the invitation arrived in my inbox. As you know I always try to make the best of opportunities and this was a rare treat and as you say historic. Is that what the dress is called (thobe)? I bought it in Paris near Montmartre about ten years ago when I saw it without a clue when I’d wear it I just loved the fabric, the colour and the sparkle.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I Googled “what is an Arabian dress called?” and “thobe” came up, so I’m guessing that is it. You work very hard and so create some of your own opportunities, but cool that others, like this, come your way and you are able to take advantage 🙂
Oh, you look gorgeous! Congratulations 🎉
Thank you Holly, you may be interested to learn that the librettist is a poet like yourself and I enjoyed reading about his process for writing the libretto in the program.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That’s fascinating dear Charlotte. Brava ❤️
Lovely post. Looks fabulous. And you look wonderful in that dress.
Thank you Shehanne, it was fun to wear something a bit different. I will definitely have to buy more royal blue clothes in the future.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It was defo the perfect dress for the night.
Beautiful. 💗
Thank you very much.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It’s my pleasure. 🌺
A fine review with you dressed for the part
Thank you Derrick, I bought the dress a decade ago without an event in mind, I loved the fabric and the colour and the sparkle. I’m just happy that fate gave me an occasion to wear it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🙂
Sounds like an amazing experience! Your outfit is WOW!
Thank you Annette, I pinched myself when I got the invitation and actually wrote back to double check they actually were inviting me to Saudi Arabia. I’m very grateful my boss allowed me the time off work to go. I’ll tell you more about the actual trip next week.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You look amazing! What a wonderful evening!
Thank you GP. It was a fantastic experience.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
Thank you Charlotte for this nice review (and beautiful dress!).
I was there for the premiere since I engraved the score and prepared the parts for the conductor, orchestra, soloists, and choir to perform from, and it was a stunning experience!
Concerning arias to sing, what do you think of Hazila’s aria from Scene 2? I found it simply beautiful, and it has an ABA sort of form which would make it perfect for a performance.
Otherwise, what about Afira’s closing aria in the Finale of Act 2 when she sings this ode to love blossoming her people’s future?
Hope to keep in touch!
Thank you for your message Michele, would you be able to share the sheet music for those arias you mentioned with me my e-mail is ‘enquiries@charlotte-hoather.com’, I’d be happy and interested to review Afira’s aria that you mentioned. I wouldn’t sing Hazila’s songs as its not my voice type.
Best wishes to you,
Charlotte
Wonderful!
Thank you Benn, I had a wonderful time.
Best wishes
Charlotte
This looks like it very much was a first-class production in every sense, and your outfit was a sensational look for the event.
Thank you Bruce, the very distinguished male guests I attended with were all in black tie. I had this dress in my wardrobe unworn for ten years I’m just so happy that fate gave me this opportunity to wear it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Spectacular event, Charlotte! It’s great you were able to attend.
Yes it was great that I was invited out of the blue. I never expected it but I was excited to hear about a brand new opera house being built and learn about this newly commissioned opera, I adore new contemporary opera, as you know, so I’m always pleased to hear new work.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What an exciting event! A new beginning for opera in another part of the world, I hope it takes off and people enjoy it. You do look amazing and appropriate in that dress.
It was very exciting. I think that change and growth is important for opera and it was fantastic to see such a big investment in a contemporary work in Arabic. I wish them every success. I enjoyed the opportunity to wear the dress as I bought it years ago on a whim in Paris. Best wishes. Charlotte
How spectacular!
Every time I come here there seems to be another wonderful, fantastic adventure.
It all sounds like an incredible evening.
On a shallow note, yo look marvellous!
That is a delish outfit you’re wearing.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey!
Best,
Resa
❦❦❦
It was spectacular Resa, you would have loved it, the costumes were gorgeous it was a big event. I had to pinch myself when the invite to go to Saudi Arabia as a guest arrived.
Can you believe I bought the dress ten years ago just because I loved the fabric, colour and the sparkle without a concert or event in mind. Thank you for coming along on the journey.
Best wishes
Charlotte
They were right to honour you with an invite. I’m just crazy with excitement.
I’ll bet you perform there soon!
And that outfit is perfect. For whatever reason you bought it, it’s time came. You look stunning!
Best back to you!
❦❦❦
What a spectacular dress, Charlotte! And a lucky woman to be able to enjoy this musical adventure – it boils down to wear you live and your outstanding reputation!
Thank you Noelle I loved wearing the dress. My parents always said don’t let an opportunity to do something new through fear or second guessing, just grab the opportunity with both hands. It was a very unique I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Compliments Charlotte. A very significant event on many planes, given the current situation in the Middle East.
And that dress was made for you. 👏🏻
Brian, I don’t really keep up with world politics, this is why the world needs more arts and culture and beauty and shared experiences. Thank you I loved wearing the dress.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What an amazing experience, Charlotte–thank you for sharing it!
Thank you Karen, i do love to see new places and meet new people. There were some very distinguished journalists invited, so it was quite a big honour for me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Another adventure for you. I would not have guessed Saudi Arabia would support opera on such a grand scale. Also, I’ll chime in that you look stunning in royal blue. 😊
Thank you John, it was an amazing spectacle. I wish that we could invest in such grand stage operas all over the UK.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow! Just wow. This is amazing news on so many levels, including that Saudi Arabia is venturing down this track. And that you would get an invite. And that you had such a suitable dress already in your wardrobe. Have you stopped pinching yourself yet? Wise words from your parents – when opportunity knocks, make sure you answer the doorbell!
I would love to visit Australia as you know but I never see any auditions for Australian Opera and it’s a lot outside my travel budget but never say never. I haven’t stopped pinching myself, when I discovered there were some well respected journalists with me on the trip I was blown away and they were so helpful and encouraging and gave me great tips. We are a family that believe in fate and take whatever opportunities arise. I know from your blog you’re a little like that too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Absolutely! And I’m working on one at this very moment 🙂
What an epic experience
Thanks Alex, lovely to hear from you, hope everything is going ok for you. It was epic. Such a treat, I met some amazing people.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How wonderful!