Romantic Masters 2026 in Dubai

Romantic Masters brings the UAE National Orchestra to Dubai Opera on Sunday 25 October 2026 for an afternoon of Rossini, Mendelssohn and Brahms. Presented in partnership with Dubai Opera, it is a feast of good humour, virtuosic artistry and deep emotion.

About Romantic Masters in Dubai

The UAE National Orchestra shares the genius of three great Romantic composers in a programme that moves from playfulness to passion. The concert brings these composers to life through the lively melodies of an opera overture, the brilliance of a violin concerto and the warmth of a full symphony.

The programme celebrates World Opera Day with Rossini’s wittiest overture, written to introduce the comedy of The Barber of Seville. Hungarian violinist Júlia Pusker makes her UAE National Orchestra debut with the orchestra’s premiere performances of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.

The concert concludes with Brahms’s sunniest symphony, his second, a joyous journey under clear skies and one of the summits of the symphonic repertoire. Umberto Clerici conducts.

What to Expect at Romantic Masters

Rossini: The Barber of Seville Overture

Romantic Masters opens with sparkle and wit, setting a light-hearted tone for the afternoon.

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with Júlia Pusker

Mendelssohn wrote a high-wire act for a true star of the instrument, punctuated by a quicksilver orchestral accompaniment.

Brahms: Symphony No. 2

The finale is a warm, expansive symphony that builds to a triumphant orchestral close.

Key Highlights

• UAE National Orchestra, conducted by Umberto Clerici
• Júlia Pusker’s debut with the orchestra
• Rossini, Mendelssohn and Brahms
• 1 hour 40 minutes including a break
• A matinee at Dubai Opera

The Venue: Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera sits in the heart of Downtown Dubai, a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Its dhow-inspired glass and timber design makes it one of the most recognisable cultural landmarks in the city, and the main auditorium is known for its excellent acoustics and comfortable, close-to-the-stage feel.

The building opens two hours before the show and the auditorium doors open 30 minutes before curtain, so there is time to enjoy the foyer, take in the views over the boulevard and settle in without rushing.

Visitor Tips

Getting There & Parking

By car, take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), exit towards Financial Center Road, follow the signs for Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, then merge onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard; Dubai Opera is on your right. By metro, take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and walk about 10 minutes or hop in a short taxi. A taxi from elsewhere in Downtown usually takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

What to Bring

Bring your ticket and a light layer for the auditorium. If you like to follow along, read up on the three works beforehand.

Age & Entry Policy

Guests aged 6 and above need a ticket, children under 6 are not permitted in the Main Auditorium, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Latecomers are not admitted once the performance has begun. Photography, video and audio recording are prohibited in the auditorium, phones must be silenced, outside food and drink are not permitted, and security searches apply.

Dress Code

Smart or smart-casual is the way to go. Dubai Opera asks guests to avoid overly casual or provocative attire such as shorts or flip-flops, and guests who do not comply may be refused entry.

Arrive Early

The concert begins at 4:00 PM, with the building opening at 2:00 PM and auditorium doors at 3:30 PM. Latecomers are only admitted at the interval, so arrive at least 30 minutes early.