Dubai Opera will host a rare convergence of classical music talent on 22nd December when José Carreras and Plácido Domingo reunite for the ‘Stars of the Century’ gala. The performance brings together two of the most celebrated tenors of their generation with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra under conductor Valery Gergiev.
The event marks the pinnacle of Dubai Opera’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Soprano Hibla Gerzmava joins the programme, which spans opera, zarzuela, Broadway, operetta, and popular songs, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural character.
The Mariinsky Orchestra and Gergiev
Valery Gergiev, one of classical music’s most influential conductors, leads the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, recognised as one of the world’s premier ensembles. Under Gergiev’s direction since 1988, the orchestra has developed a distinctive sound rooted in Russian musical tradition whilst maintaining a global presence through regular international tours and recordings.
The orchestra’s participation elevates the evening beyond a vocal showcase into a full symphonic event. The combination of Gergiev’s conducting with the performances of Carreras and Domingo creates a rare alignment of operatic and orchestral artistry on a single stage.
A partnership revisited
Carreras and Domingo’s reunion recalls their work together as part of The Three Tenors alongside the late Luciano Pavarotti. The partnership, which began in 1990, introduced opera to vast new audiences through stadium concerts and recordings that sold millions of copies worldwide.
Carreras, whose career spans over 50 years, has balanced his performing schedule with humanitarian work through the José Carreras Leukaemia Foundation, established after his own recovery from the disease in the late 1980s. Domingo remains active as both performer and conductor, having sung over 150 roles across opera houses on six continents whilst serving in various artistic leadership positions.
Programme and performers
The evening’s repertoire moves across musical traditions and continents. The programme includes operatic arias, Spanish zarzuela excerpts, Broadway standards, operetta selections, and internationally recognised songs, performed by the three soloists with full orchestral accompaniment.
Hibla Gerzmava has performed at major venues including the Bolshoi Theatre, Metropolitan Opera, and Teatro alla Scala. Her repertoire centres on Russian and Italian opera, with particular recognition for her interpretations of Tchaikovsky and Verdi heroines.
Dubai Opera milestone
The gala caps a year of programming celebrating Dubai Opera’s first decade since opening in 2016. The venue, designed to resemble a traditional Arabian dhow, has hosted over 1,500 performances across opera, ballet, classical music, theatre, and contemporary genres.
Tickets are available at the venue’s website.
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