‘Big bang’ ceremony to kick off Expo 2020
ANDREA BOCELLI LEADS STAR-STUDDED GALA LINE-UP
An incredible roster of global and home-grown talent is set to perform at Expo 2020’s opening ceremony , taking place in the iconic Al Wasl Plaza on September 30.
Among those slated to perform are world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy nominated, Golden Globewinning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; Platinum selling British singersongwriter Ellie Goulding; international mega-star pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo.
Highlighting the creative diversity and talent of the region, the glittering line-up also includes the ‘Artist of Arabs’ Mohammad Abdo, much-loved Emirati singing sensation ‘Fananat Al Arab’ Ahlam Alshamsi; Emirati Artist and Expo 2020 Dubai Ambassador Hussain Al Jassmi, a trendsetter on the Khaleeji music scene in the Middle East and Internationally; rising UAE singer-songwriter Almas; and Grammy-nominated Lebanese-American singer Mayssa Karaa.
Making of a new world
Tareq Ghosheh, Chief Event and Entertainment Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai said: “Combining some of the most sought-after names in the world of music, live events and entertainment with the awe-inspiring, world-first technologies of the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, this is the ‘big bang’ that sets the scene for 182 days of visually striking and emotionally inspiring experiences, as we invite visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world.”
Behind the scenes, preparations have brought together creative minds from different geographies, industries and backgrounds, including a talented in-house team of Emirati and international creatives.
The wider team is led by Scott Givens, executive producer and CEO of FiveCurrents, whose credits include 62 iconic ceremonies, including the most Olympic Ceremonies ever.
Available to watch on Expo TV, Virtual Expo and broadcast to a global audience of millions across multiple channels, the opening ceremony will showcase the Al Wasl Plaza, including the largest immersive sound installation in the world and the world’s largest blended video projection installation.
Audience at centre stage
The first event of its kind to take place ‘in the round’, the audience will be at the centre of the show as it unfolds, with the revolving stage, stunning surrounds and immersive technologies coming to life around them.