LEISURE CHARTS
Find out what’s happening in the UAE this week.
CONCERTS
The Dubai Opera is packed with performances the coming week. Legendary South-African singer-songwriter
Johnny Clegg will perform at the Dubai Opera on September 20. The singer is known for fusing western pop with African rhythm and Zulu beats and for using his music to make a political statement against apartheid laws of the mideighties by performing with his inter-racial band Jaluka and Savuka. Clegg’s Dubai concert is part of his swansong world tour The Final Journey, so expect the whole nine yards – greatest hits from his 40-year-long career, dance, and music by a live band. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh250 at dubaiopera.com. Opera stars Anna Netrebko and Yusif
Eyvazov take the stage on September 21. The Russian-Azerbaijani couple are considered the world’s leading soprano and tenor. They will belt out classics from opera masterpieces by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano, Leoncavallo and others. Mikhail Tatarnikov will conduct the show which will also feature a guest performance by baritone Elchin Azizov. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh350 at dubaiopera.com.
It’s set to be a whole new world at the Dubai Opera when Lea Salonga, the Filipina singer who voiced Disney’s Princess Jasmine, performs on September 22 and 23. The winner of Tony and Olivier awards, has the distinction of being the singing voice for not one but two Disney Princesses – she was also the singing voice of 1998’s Disney film Mulan. The musical theatre maestro who has performed in Broadway classics like Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and West
Side Story will regale Dubai audiences with a mix of hits from the stage and her films. Tickets from Dh450 at dubaiopera.com; show starts at 8pm.
Potterheads, we solemnly hope you’re up to no good from September 21 to 23 because
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be on screen at du forum, Abu Dhabi. Watch the movie that made JK Rowling’s imaginary world of Hogwarts a visual reality for an entire generation on a 12-metre screen. And while you watch Harry discover he’s a wizard with fresh wonder, John William’s goosebumps-inducing title track and original soundtrack will be performed live by an orchestra in the background. Tickets from Dh150 at ticketmaster.ae.