RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in collaboration with the China National Opera House, on Thursday night staged Georges Bizet’s world-renowned opera “Carmen” at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, the very first time the masterpiece has been performed in the Kingdom.
The event is being held as part of the Saudi-China Cultural Year, commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The opening night drew more than 2,500 guests and dignitaries.
Audience members expressed their appreciation for the historic performance. Thomas Dang, who works in Riyadh, described the evening as remarkable. “It was extraordinary — a Chinese cast performing an opera by a French composer about a story set in Spain, all here in Saudi Arabia. That cultural blend was amazing. It was a wonderful night, and I truly enjoyed it,” he said.
Directed and presented by the CNOH team, the performance brought Bizet’s timeless tale of passion, jealousy, and fate to life through vibrant costumes and a distinguished international cast.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) brought the renowned Opera “Carmen” for the first time to Saudi Arabia. (SUPPLIED)
Since its Paris premiere in 1875, “Carmen” has stood as one of the most celebrated works in operatic history, enchanting generations of audiences worldwide. Its debut in Riyadh represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s growing cultural movement, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s increasing engagement with global arts and commitment to enriching the local cultural scene with world-class productions.
Huixian, a Chinese resident in Riyadh, said: “This is my first time attending an opera in Saudi Arabia, and also my first time watching ‘Carmen’ performed in Chinese. The performance was very good, though I felt the singing could have been more powerful at times. Still, it was a memorable evening and a unique experience.”
“Carmen” will continue at the King Fahad Cultural Center through Sept. 6, 2025, offering audiences the rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most memorable operas on stage in Riyadh.
According to the RCRC, “this first-time performance demonstrates RCRC’s ongoing commitment to enriching Riyadh’s art and culture offerings through a series of world-class events, featuring both classical and contemporary pieces, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”
