The King Fahd Cultural Center Theater in Riyadh is hosting the first performance of the opera Carmen in the Kingdom, featuring 3 exceptional performances of the famous opera.
The three performances will take place on September 4, 5, and 6, with the participation of more than 150 singers and musicians, as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 events, marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The opera “Carmen” was first performed in Paris in 1875, composed by the French musician Georges Bizet. Although it did not initially achieve the expected success, it quickly became one of the most prominent operas in the world.
“Carmen” is distinguished by its rich music and vibrant rhythms inspired by Spanish flair, in addition to its dramatic characters that reflect the struggle between passion, freedom, and destiny. The character “Carmen” is one of the most famous and controversial operatic characters, combining strength, allure, and rebellion.
Today, “Carmen” is continuously performed on the world’s largest stages and translated into dozens of languages, making it a landmark in the history of opera and one of the most enduring classical works in global artistic memory.
King Fahd Cultural Center Theater
The King Fahd Cultural Center Theater is a major performing arts venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, inaugurated in 2004. It was established as part of a larger cultural complex to promote the arts and provide a world-class stage for theatrical and musical performances. The center is named in honor of the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Carmen
“Carmen” most famously refers to the opera by Georges Bizet, which premiered in 1875. It is based on a novella by Prosper Mérimée and tells the tragic story of a passionate Romani woman and a soldier in Seville, Spain. The opera is one of the most performed in the world and is celebrated for its iconic music, including the “Habanera” and “Toreador Song.”
Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year
The Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year is a bilateral initiative launched in 2019 to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges between Saudi Arabia and China. It features a year-long series of events, exhibitions, and performances showcasing each nation’s heritage, arts, and traditions. This program is part of a broader strategic partnership and reflects the growing cooperation between the two countries under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Paris
Paris is the capital of France, historically founded as the Roman city of Lutetia in the 3rd century BC. It is a global center for art, fashion, and culture, renowned for iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Georges Bizet
Georges Bizet was a French composer, not a place or cultural site. He is most famous for his opera *Carmen*, which premiered in 1875 and has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the world.
Spanish flair
“Spanish flair” is not a specific place but a cultural concept describing the vibrant, passionate, and expressive character of Spain. It is embodied in traditions like flamenco music and dance, bullfighting, and exuberant fiestas, whose histories are deeply rooted in the country’s diverse regional identities. This energetic spirit is also reflected in Spanish architecture, cuisine, and the overall zest for life.
