Paolo Petrocelli, Head of the Dubai Opera

His visions, experience and advice on the must-see events

“A contemporary opera house should be a dynamic space which not only celebrates the past, but also looks to the future by integrating the local culture and creating global connections”. These words are by Paolo Petrocelli, an academician and journalist who combined a passion for music and culture with his managerial background.

Ever since he was appointed Head of the Dubai Opera in 2023, his goal has been that of transforming the great Emirati city’s major theater into a bridge between the East and West by promoting both the regional cultural heritage and the great international artistic traditions. Dubai Opera’s 2024-2025 season is a clear example of this vision, which aims to find the perfect balance between the classical and the contemporary, by staging iconic operas, the most popular classical ballets, but also the great opera and symphonic repertoire, such as Aida, Eugene Onegin, Giselle, Bayadère, The Nutcracker, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Mozart’s Requiem.

But the opera house’s program includes also contemporary dancing shows, musicals and pop, rock, jazz, electronic, ethnic and Arabian music concerts to reach out to a mixed, multicultural and international audience. A young Italian talented man, a cultural management expert and musicologist with a career ranging from the Santa Cecilia Academy to Opera di Roma, two of Italy’s most illustrious music institutions, Petrocelli brought with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the unifying power of art.

Mr. Petrocelli, we would like to learn about the five places in Dubai which make your life enjoyable in this international metropolis throughout the year.

I enjoy visiting the art galleries on Alserkal Avenue, watching jazz performances at the Jass Lounge and dining at Italian restaurants, first of all, our Belcanto, located on the Dubai Opera’s last floor, which every night celebrates the excellence of Italian cuisine, but also Borro, Scalini and Signor Sassi. I enjoy reading a book at the Etihad Museum’s Library and watching a good movie at the Akil Theater.

Speaking of the Dubai Opera, what are this season’s most ‘Made in Italy’ events?

We will be hosting several events which fully embody Italian excellence in the fields of music, art and culture. Among them are the great Italian operas: this year, we opened our season with a beautiful production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, with the collaboration of Poland’s National Opera. And we are bringing to Dubai some of the greatest Italian soloists. We have already hosted Umberto Tozzi, on the occasion of his latest world tour, and Carla Bruni who, despite her strong ties with France, paid a tribute to her Italian origins by performing some of the great songs of our repertoire. Coming soon is Il Volo, whom the audience is already eagerly waiting for. Among the ‘special events devoted to Italy’ with the collaboration of the Italian representatives in the Emirates, we are planning some more themed events entirely devoted to the Made in Italy, including not only music shows, but also comprehensive cultural experiences. These events are designed to offer our audience a full immersion in the world of Italian excellence. Events which are a tribute to Italy, but are also a way to share with our international audience what makes the Made in Italy so unique: a combination of creativity, elegance and passion.

What event at the Dubai Opera, from December to May, is worth a trip to Dubai?

You can take your pick! From December to May, Dubai Opera hosts a variety of extraordinary events, from concerts by international artists to plays and operas. Every event promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience, making it very hard to choose! For instance, the premiere in November of the Singin’ in the Rain musical, which will be performed for the first time in the Middle East, the New Year’s Eve gala event starring DJ Parov Stellar and the concert by the Limitless Orchestra with the special appearance of Hans Zimmer in January.

What is the must-try experience at ‘your’ theater, besides being a member of the audience?

Our opera house, with its futuristic and iconic design, is not only a stage, but a work of art in itself and offers an extraordinary immersion into a unique cultural context. Every visit is a journey of the senses, starting from the breathtaking architecture which embodies Dubai’s innovative and creative spirit.

A truly must-try experience is the chance to interact with a global audience. Dubai Opera attracts visitors from every corner of the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

This diversity adds to the experience, allowing cultural exchanges and new connections between people with different history and tradition. In addition, our food & beverage services (pre-concert dining, pre and post-concert drinks) and the Belcanto restaurant’s offerings complete the cultural experience, by providing a culinary journey that excites the senses. This combination of art and cuisine makes the visit to Dubai Opera a truly memorable experience, enriching every event with unique flavors and atmospheres.

What is your favourite spot at the theater?

I have two favourite spots at the Dubai Opera. One is the backstage, where all the magic comes to life. That is where you can perceive the emotions, the energy and dedication of all those who work untiringly to create an unforgettable experience. Watching the technicians and artists getting ready and collaborate is amazingly fascinating. The other spot is when I sit at the back of the house during the shows. From there I can observe the audience being completely captured by the emotions of every performance. Watching the reactions, the smiles and tears of joy is an extraordinary experience, which reminds me that art has the power to bring people together and touch their heart. Both these moments, in the backstage and in the house, represent to me the throbbing heart of Dubai Opera and sum up the best part of my life in this city.

5 places not to be missed in Dubai

Belcanto

The Dubai Opera restaurant where a lively jazz evening awaits, perfectly complemented by delicious Italian cuisine.

Etihad Museum

This striking modern museum engagingly chronicles the birth of the UAE in 1971, spurred by the discovery of oil in the 1950s and the withdrawal of the British in 1968.

Scalini

With it’s subtle charm, Art Deco interior and traditional Italian menu, Scalini evokes nostalgia for the Trattorias of the Swinging Sixties.

Alserkal Avenue

It is a forward-thinking arts and culture enterprise based in Dubai dedicated to developing homegrown initiatives, cultural production and events.

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai

Located within the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, this restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for the finest wholesome Tuscan cuisine in the city.