DUBAI, – The iconic Burj Khalifa was lit up for three minutes on Sunday, 12 December in spectacular colours and pictures, ahead of the premiere of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Opera. The images depicted various animations, scenes from the opera itself, and show the orchestra performing, as songs from the performance rang out across the surrounds. The show, produced in collaboration with Welsh National Opera, runs from 16-19 December at Dubai Opera.
 
The music is composed by Mohammed Fairouz and the showpiece is co-authored and written by Maha Gargash, conducted by Justin Brown and directed by Sir David Pountney. The opera is performed in English, and features more than 100 artists and musicians, as well as a production team of 70 people to celebrate Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
 
Al Wasl, which means ‘the connection’ in Arabic and is the old name for Dubai, tells the story of the UAE as a connector between civilisations and brings to life 1,000 years of culture and the UAE’s innovative spirit.
 
Tickets for Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Opera are now on sale directly from Dubai Opera