DUBAI: Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad presented its co-production of “Aida” on the opening night of Spain’s leading opera house, Teatro Real, this week.
The event on Oct. 24 was on the eve of World Opera Day. “Aida” will run for three weeks until Nov. 14.
The restored and updated version of Giuseppe Verdi’s famous opera opened the season for the historical Teatro Real and comes nearly 25 years after its debut performance in 1998. In attendance at the long-awaited performance were King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, among several dignitaries.
Reflecting on the partnership with the opera house, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, or ADMAF, and founder and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said in a statement: “By partnering with the greatest international institutions to create new works, commissions and productions, Abu Dhabi Festival opens doors for people both at home and abroad to discover the world’s most renowned talents.
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Spain’s leading opera house, Teatro Real, to co-produce their season opener, Aida, giving audiences the opportunity to come together and experience the brilliant revival of composer Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful tale of love and betrayal.”
In 2018, ADMAF signed an agreement with Teatro Real, which was renewed this year, to collaborate on artistic productions, developmental activities and joint commissions across music and opera.