The world’s most famous opera is making its Saudi debut this September. Riyadh audiences will be treated to Georges Bizet’s Carmen, a four-act masterpiece that has been performed across the globe for nearly a century and a half. The production will be staged by the prestigious China National Opera House, which has earned international acclaim for its lavish performances and exceptional vocal talent.
The opera will run across three consecutive nights, on 4, 5, and 6 September, at the King Fahd Cultural Center. Each performance will begin at 8pm and run until 11pm. Tickets are now on sale, starting from SAR 80, and can be purchased via Platinumlist.
The production is part of the 2025 China-Saudi Arabia Cultural Year, which also marks 35 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. It’s a major cultural moment for Riyadh, adding a global classic to the city’s growing calendar of world-class performances.
First performed in Paris in 1875, Carmen was considered shocking in its day, yet it went on to become one of the most performed operas in the world. Its blend of passion, tragedy, and unforgettable music have cemented it as a cornerstone of the operatic canon. The story follows the free-spirited Carmen and Don José, the soldier whose obsession with her spirals into jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately tragedy. Themes of freedom, fate, and desire run through the work, making it as relevant today as it was nearly 150 years ago.
For those who have yet to experience opera live, Carmen is the perfect introduction. Its sweeping melodies and timeless story of love and obsession have universal appeal. For seasoned opera-goers, this production is a rare chance to see one of the world’s great opera houses bring a masterpiece to life in Riyadh.
When & Where
Dates: September 4, 5 & 6, 2025
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Venue: King Fahd Cultural Center, Riyadh
Tickets: From SAR 100, available on Platinumlist
