Dubai Opera will experience Carl Orff’s iconic Cantata – one of the most powerful mixes of classical and contemporary ballet.
Ballet enthusiasts love Dubai. Sometimes disproportionately, oftentimes rabidly. This is because Dubai never misses the mark when it comes to entertainment. In May 2025, the city will host the premiere of Carmina Burana – The Ballet at the iconic Dubai Opera.
This performance became one of the most talked-about cultural events of the season – which, if you’ve been following along, will have just two performances on May 23 and 24.
The backdrop of Carl Orff’s legendary 1936 cantata Carmina Burana is where the show will start, reimagining the iconic ballet with bold choreography, intense choral arrangements, and a visually impactful stage that has remained consistent since its debut in 2021.
Under the creative direction of renowned choreographer Edward Clug, the theme of the ballet is raw passion, fate, and the fleeting nature of fortune.
Carmina Burana is known for its thunderous openings, and the one of “O Fortuna” can make everyone stop in their tracks. Watching it come to life on stage through dance is an entirely different experience. The performance at the Dubai Opera is an identity, a surreal privilege for the viewers, making the emotions behind Orff’s music even more palpable.
Edward Clug’s choreography is a reflection of modernity in classical ballet, as dancers move with precision and abandon. This version is exquisite, showcasing Clug in the explosive sequences of power, the raw human emotion, and quiet vulnerability. Every part of the performance feels intentional and seemingly effortless.
Brought to Dubai by Global Talent
Carmina Burana – The Ballet was brought to life by the Ballet of the Slovene National Theatre Maribor. Their signature is awash in classical training and modern storytelling, which helps them pull off this bold project with such precision.
Supporting the choreography is a stellar creative team. Set designer Marko Japelj is engrossed in minimalist, yet striking stage elements to enhance the focus on the dancers. Costume designer Leo Kulaš, with pieces that reflect the timeless nature of the story, is also waiting there to welcome all the guests. Lighting designer Tomaž Premzl will create a mood that induces a dopamine rush by expressing emotions of each scene without a single spoken word.
Clocking in at one hour without intermission, Carmina Burana – The Ballet will keep the audience engaged from start to finish, so if you are in Dubai and looking to tap into a fresh activity, go and see this ballet.
Dubai Opera’s Commitment to Carmina Burana – The Ballet
By hosting Carmina Burana – The Ballet, Dubai Opera, developed by Emaar, has once again set the bar high when it comes to cultural experiences in the region. Its formative years after its opening in 2016 offered a variety of performances from around the world, which quickly earned Dubai Opera the reputation of a prestigious cultural landmark and the main performing arts centre of the UAE. The state-of-the-art 2,000-seat auditorium and a studio that accommodates up to 250 patrons are a safe place for major international productions, as well as geeks and creative connoisseurs who meet here to witness the successful performances.
“We are thrilled to present Carmina Burana – The Ballet at Dubai Opera for the first time. This production reflects the artistic excellence and creativity we strive to deliver to our audiences,” says Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera.
Located in Downtown Dubai, just a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the Opera House is easily accessible and has an insanely powerful ballet performance to get you through the end of May.
A little heads up: dress smartly to maintain the decorum of the venue. Follow the dress etiquette and do not wear casual or overly revealing clothing like shorts or flip-flops, which may result in being denied entry.
Other than that, children below the age of 6 are not allowed inside the main auditorium, and children aged six and up will need their own ticket.
Ticket and Show Information:
- Dates: May 23–24, 2025
- Venue: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
- Duration: 1 hour (no intermission)
- Tickets: Available at www.dubaiopera.com
