I find this news thrilling. I am an operatic baritone originally from Egypt, and I live, perform and teach in the USA. My special interest is with regard to the translation and performance of operas by Mozart in the Arabic language for audiences in the Middle East. In March I performed the role of Leporello in Don Giovanni at the Al Ain International Festival and was impressed by the level of interest, sophistication and enthusiasm of the audiences there. I had sung opera recitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai the year before and was pleased with the interest and appreciation of the local audiences. I am interested to be part of a project to train and prepare singers for the purpose of creating a UAE national opera company with its home at this new opera house. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in this subject.

Raouf Zaidan, baritone and voice professor (Northern State University, SD)
ARCM (London) MM and DMA (USA)