A Historic Night of Opera: ‘Stars of the Century’ Gala Illuminates Dubai Opera

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Earlier this week, on Monday, the Dubai Opera stage was graced by a gathering of operatic royalty for the unprecedented ‘Stars of the Century’ Gala. In a truly outstanding evening that will be etched in the memory of all who attended, legendary maestros and icons of the voice came together for a historic performance of world-class excellence.

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Under the masterful baton of Valery Gergiev, the evening’s orchestra provided a magnificent foundation for an extraordinary lineup of soloists: the legendary Plácido Domingo, the revered José Carreras, and the sublime soprano HiblaGerzmava. Their collective artistry created an electrifying atmosphere, delivering a powerful testament to music's unifying power.

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The performance unfolded in two acts, presenting a carefully curated programme of beloved arias and iconic compositions.

The First Part opened with the dramatic overture from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino. The audience was then treated to a journey through Italian verismo and lyricism, featuring José Carreras in "È la solita storiadel pastore" (Cilea’s L’Arlesiana), Plácido Domingo’s commanding "Nemico della patria"(Giordano’s Andrea Chénier), and Hibla Gerzmava’spoignant "Ecco, respiro ancora" (Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur). Domingo returned with a powerful aria from Macbeth, followed by Gerzmava’s heart-rending "Sola, perduta, abbandonata" from Puccini’s Manon Lescaut. The act concluded with orchestral highlights from Mascagni and Tchaikovsky.

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The Second Part showcased the artists’ versatility and charm, blending operetta, zarzuela, and classic song. Highlights included Carreras in "Musica proibita", Domingo’s charismatic "No puede ser"(Sorozábal’s La Tabernera del Puerto), and Gerzmava’s vivacious "Heia, Heia" from Kálmán’s Die Csárdásfürstin. A delightful duet of "Lippen schweigen" from Lehár’s The Merry Widow by Domingo and Gerzmava brought effortless elegance. The programme also featured moving renditions of Bernstein’s "Somewhere" and the iconic "The Impossible Dream", before Domingo delivered a definitive "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Lehár’s The Land of Smiles). The grand finale was a spirited medley of beloved classics, leaving the audience exhilarated.

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The event, a monumental project by Art Iz Promotion Agency and Stereo Live was described as “an encounter with inspiration,” conceived to bring performing art of the highest calibre to the UAE. The organisers extend their deepest gratitude to all partners and the audience who shared in this belief, making the evening a profound source of joy, light, and shared cultural celebration.

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