Why Opera in Saudi Arabia may be having its Moment

Traditionally, pursuing a career or even interest in opera - regardless of gender - has been a path less travelled in Saudi Arabia. Yet with the recent rise of musical activities, opera has definitely entered the scene, with the plans for a new opera houses a definite sign that there is a desire for the genre in the Kingdom. But can opera catch the enthusiasm of Saudis, as other types of music have?

Saudi Arabia’s first Opera Singer

When Sawsan Al-Bahiti made her first public appearance during the 89^th Saudi National Day celebrations at the Saudi embassy in Germany, it was an important moment. Her performance combined the traditional elements of the national anthem with the expressive power of operatic singing, a new type of music for Saudis, yet somehow familiar to them.

She also sang at the Riyadh International Opera Festival 2023, which sold out 2,000 tickets each night.

So it's fair to call Al-Bahiti Saudi Arabia’s first opera singer. She has played a role in popularising the genre and demonstrating its compatibility with Saudi culture, blending traditional elements of Saudi music with opera.

Is it also fair though, to say that Al-Bahiti’s appearance is the dawn of establishing opera in Saudi Arabia? Attributing an entire movement to a single individual overlooks other factors and contributors that may also have played significant roles in the process. The evolution of any artistic movement in Saudi Arabia is a collective endeavour with many elements.

An operatic Plan

The implementation of the nation’s Vision 2030 reforms includes development of the arts, and Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene is certainly witnessing a musical transformation in a society that enjoys living to rhythms. It’s worth noting at this point the extend of this transformation; concerts had been banned for nearly five decades and music in stores and restaurants wasn’t even permitted.

So it’s been incredible to see so many festivals and events taking place with a mix of genres, such as traditional Arabic music, rap both local and international, rock, pop, and jazz. But the introduction of opera - a genre that is not particularly familiar to the region - is a big step for the government.

The establishment of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) led to Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announcing plans for Saudi Arabia’s first opera house in December 2023. Located in the heart of Diriyah near Riyadh, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will stand as a cultural icon in the Saudi capital city’s 300-year-old heritage quarter, the birthplace of the Kingdom.

A fusion of traditional Najdi architecture and modern design, the Opera House will span 45,000 square meters and include a 2,000-seat main venue, an adaptable theatre, a multi-purpose hall, and an outdoor amphitheatre. Its location near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif adds to its cultural significance.

Will  Opera work in Saudi?

The introduction of opera to Saudi Arabia presents audiences with a striking contrast to traditional Arabic music. Opera, known for its high tones and dramatic expressions, may pose a listening challenge for those unaccustomed to its style. Historically, the Arab world has not produced significant opera works, with musical icons like Um Kulthum and Abdel Halim Hafez shaping the region’s music with styles more akin to contemporary performance than traditional opera.

Indeed, public reactions to this cultural evolution have been mixed. Hani M., a 53-year-old school teacher from Dammam, welcomes the variety: “It is good to have a choice of music types available to us.” Still, Maha, a 36-year-old, told me she was less enthusiastic about opera, highlighting the varied tastes among Saudis.

And the absence of a deep-rooted opera culture in the Arab world, coupled with limited exposure and education in this genre, leaves its future role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving music scene somewhat uncertain.

But what Hani says about choice is probably more to the point. Any burgeoning interest in opera reflects a broader socio-cultural transformation, and the new Diriyah Opera House will no doubt become a centre for appreciating the art and beauty of music in various forms - rather than solely focusing on traditional opera performances.

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