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World-renowned opera "Carmen" makes its debut in Saudi Arabia, courtesy of RCRC

In Riyadh, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the China National Opera House teamed up to present the globally acclaimed opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet at the King Fahad Cultural Center. This was the initial time this spectacle was performed in the Kingdom, and it's happening as part of...

International opera performance of 'Carmen' débuts in Saudi Arabia, marking its first presentation...
International opera performance of 'Carmen' débuts in Saudi Arabia, marking its first presentation in the kingdom

World-renowned opera "Carmen" makes its debut in Saudi Arabia, courtesy of RCRC

Since its premiere in Paris in 1875, Georges Bizet's opera 'Carmen' has been one of the most celebrated operas in history. On Thursday night, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed this timeless tale of passion, jealousy, and fate for the first time, as the performance took place at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh.

The 'Carmen' performance in Riyadh marked a significant step in Saudi Arabia's growing cultural movement. The event was part of the Saudi-China Cultural Year, celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) and the China National Opera House (CNOH) collaborated on the production, presenting 'Carmen' with a Chinese cast and vibrant costumes.

Over 2,500 guests and dignitaries attended the opening night of the performance, which featured the CNOH team as directors. The RCRC views the first-time performance of 'Carmen' as demonstrating their commitment to enriching Riyadh's art and culture offerings, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Audience members were captivated by the performance. Huixian, a Chinese resident in Riyadh, attended the 'Carmen' performance for the first time and found it very good, though felt the singing could have been more powerful at times. Thomas Dang, a worker in Riyadh, described the performance as remarkable.

The story of the opera, set in Spain, was brought to life on stage, offering audiences the rare opportunity to witness one of the world's most memorable operas. The 'Carmen' performance in Riyadh will continue at the King Fahad Cultural Center through Sept. 6, 2025.

This historic event is a testament to the growing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China, and a step forward in Riyadh's commitment to becoming a global hub for arts and culture.

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