From Jordan to Oman: 5 shows not to miss in the region

Spanish tenor Placido Domingo performs the opening shows of the Royal Opera House Muscat. AFP

For those looking to combine culture with their leisure, the region is full interesting stage offerings over the next few months. Eddie Griffin will be doing shows in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait while Najwa Karam and Amer Zayan will perform in Beirut. Add these shows to your holiday plans.

‘La Boehme’ at Amman Opera Festival, Jordan

Sept 4 and 6

The Amman Opera Festival, which is made up of a number shows that run every couple of months at the serene and historic Roman Amphitheatre, returns this week with a production of the classic La Boehme, which will be performed this week. Composed by Puccini, the opera details the love affair between a poor poet and a seamstress in 19th century Paris. The cast is led by Jordanian soprano Zeina Barhoum and Syrian tenor Bassem Alkhouri.

Tickets cost from JOD50 (Dh259) an are available to book at www.ammanoperafestival.com

Placido Domingo at Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman

Sept 6 and 8

The maestro launches the new season with a two-concert programme of romanzas, duets and trios in a showcase of the Spanish music tradition of zarzuelas, known for their dramatic flair and dance. "The Gulf has an extraordinarily sensitive audience – incredibly appreciative and knowledgeable of classical music," Domingo told The National in a recent interview. "You have a well-educated culture of quick learners and I feel privileged to be a small part of this introduction to opera."

Tickets start from OMR10 (Dh95) and are available to book at www.rohmuscat.org.om

Najwa Karam and Amer Zayan at Casino du Liban, Beirut, Lebanon

October 13

Karam is a UAE favourite, with regular gigs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but there's something special about seeing the diva perform in her native Lebanon. She'll be joined by Lebanese crooner Amer Zayan. He may be viewed as up-and-coming, but his career spans nearly a decade. After being discovered by Lebanese producer Simon Asmar, Zayan found success with hits Iben Moaalem and Al Akliya Al Sharkiya. He released ballad Mestahwena this year as well.

Tickets cost from 112,500 LBP (Dh274) and are avaialble to book at www.ticketingboxoffice.com

Eddie Griffin in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

October 24-27

The veteran comic returns to the region for a three date tour. It kicks off at Al Khobar's Sunset Beach Resort on October 24, followed by shows at Riyadh's King Fahad Cultural Centre and Jeddah's Red Sea Mall on October 25 and 26 respectively. He rounds off his regional run at the Kuwait Ice Skating Rink on October 27 – no UAE dates have been announced yet. In addition to a three-decade stand-up career, Griffin also starred in films including Norbit, Undercover Brother and Irish Jam.

Contact venues for ticket prices and how to book

Scorpions at Seaside Arena, Beirut, Lebanon

October 27

The mighty rockers have a fervent fan base in Lebanon. After a five-year wait, they are set to please the faithful once more when they perform in the capital in October. This time around, they come with songs from their latest album Return to Forever. Released in 2015, the album's sound marks a return to their heyday with a dozen songs showcasing their high-octane rock and a few fine power ballads.

Tickets cost from 112,500 Lebanese Pounds (Dh274) and are available to book at www.ticketingboxoffice.com

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