Paolo Petrocelli: “Our Mission is to Inspire, Surprise, and Unite People”

Dubai Opera, located in the heart of the prestigious Opera District, offers an extraordinary range of performances, including classical operas, ballets, concerts, and theater productions. Known for its collaborations with renowned international artists and innovative stage productions, the venue has become a cornerstone of Dubai's cultural landscape. On January 10th, Dubai Opera hosted The Limitless Orchestra, a groundbreaking event that captivated the audience with an unforgettable musical experience. The performance featured an exceptional lineup of world-class artists, including the renowned Russian-German violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, alongside the acclaimed soprano Ekaterina Shelehova. A special guest appearance by Hans Zimmer added a unique and prestigious element to the evening. Ahead of the concert, we met with Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, who brings a global perspective combined with a deep appreciation for the UAE’s vibrant cultural scene. Under his leadership, Dubai Opera successfully bridges international artistry with local dynamism, embodying Dubai's vision as a global cultural hub. What inspired Dubai Opera to host The Limitless Orchestra? At Dubai Opera, our mission is to promote the arts across all disciplines, including ballet, symphonic music, classical music, and more. We aim to cover the entire spectrum of the performing arts. To achieve this, we adopt guiding principles, and one of the key pillars is innovation. We believe it’s essential for Dubai Opera to champion groundbreaking projects, and The Limitless Orchestra is certainly one of them. It is a newly established orchestra that champions the idea of freedom within music—making it an incredibly innovative initiative. What are your expectations for this event, and what kind of audience do you anticipate? We have two performances scheduled, and it's exciting to see the tremendous demand for tickets. The response has been fantastic, and I am confident that, as usual, we will attract a diverse audience. Our performances bring together a wide range of generations and nationalities, which makes this the ideal event for a concert of this caliber. How will this event impact Dubai’s reputation? This concert is part of the ongoing journey Dubai Opera is undertaking, which reflects the evolution of the arts. Season after season, we are making a significant impact on the community here in Dubai, helping to shape the cultural identity of the city. The Limitless Orchestra will demonstrate to people in Dubai and the broader region that innovation in music and the arts is possible, even in the context of an orchestral performance. As the world changes rapidly, how does Dubai Opera adapt, and how does it align with its mission? We remain attuned to the rapid changes around us, carefully considering the expectations of both the local population and international visitors. Dubai Opera offers a unique opportunity to bring projects from all over the world, offering a different experience with each performance. Every week, we showcase a completely new show, providing audiences the chance to explore various cultures and artistic languages. Our mission is to inspire people by bringing together a broad range of global influences, and we proudly consider ourselves a “House of Cultures.” As a leader in the arts and culture, how would you describe the cultural scene in Dubai today, and what role does Dubai Opera play in promoting cultural life in the region? What is happening in Dubai and the UAE is truly inspiring. The rapid development of the arts sector is exceptional, and it’s a moment in history that doesn’t come often. The UAE is one of the most active countries globally in building museums, theaters, auditoriums, academies—an entire ecosystem dedicated to culture. This investment is tangible, and the impact can be felt by everyone. At Dubai Opera, we welcome thousands of people each month, and when visitors leave, they are often transformed, having experienced something that encourages them to see the world through a new lens. How do you balance international and local artists? Balancing international and local artists is one of the most exciting aspects of our role here. We strive to bring exceptional talent and productions from around the world while ensuring that we meet the diverse expectations of our audience. At the same time, we aim to surprise our audience with new and unexpected experiences. It’s a delicate balance: presenting world-renowned shows that everyone wants to see at least once in their lifetime, while also introducing new music and cultures that haven’t been experienced before in this region.