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Rabat – World-renowned French-Moroccan actor, opera singer and producer David Serero, announced he is working on the creation of the first Moroccan Opera Company named Opera Royal du Maroc.
The Royal Opera of Morocco’s mission is to develop and promote the art of Opera in the country. The company also aims to train future Moroccan opera singers to perform the most notable works of the canon.
A season of major works from the operatic repertoire, in the original languages of French and Italian, will be organized. Serero also announced that some lyrical works will be composed in Darija, by Moroccan composers the company plans to commission.
A tour reserved for Moroccan singers is also planned, to promote the country’s culture overseas. The company also stressed that partnerships with other opera houses around the world are to be expected.
David Serero told MAP in an interview of his ambition to create a version in Darija, of the infamous Georges Bizet opera Carmen.
Another upcoming project of the Creative Director is the production of a Moroccan adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic Otello.
The company issued a recruitment call for all Moroccan opera singers around the world to audition for the project. Aspiring singers are not required to reside in Morocco, nor detain Moroccan citizenship, provided they are of Moroccan origin.
The casting is open to all applicants, “all tessituras and fachs are welcome.”
Morocco’s cultural and musical scenes are among the most diverse, offering a variety of musical shows from multiple genres.
Classical music and ballets are often performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Morocco (OPM). Local Rap and hip hop artists are showcased through shows such as L’Boulevard. Jazz is highlighted by the Jazzablanca Festival, Gnaoua Music with its renowned Essaouira Gnaoua Festival, Visa For Music centres around African and Middle Eastern Music, l’Oasis featuring impressive House and Techno music lineups, Sacred music shows are held regularly across the country, and diverse International Acts are featured at the annual Mawazine Festival.
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, cultural and musical events were cancelled for nearly two years, with some companies hosting virtual concerts during lockdown. But Morocco’s artistic scene is slowly getting back to normal.
Last week, Morocco’s Mohammed V Theater in Rabat held an in-person concert to celebrate the return of live shows after months of halted activity. The event, which was themed “We Are Back” in reference to the return of live music festivals and shows, also sought to celebrate the International Music Day, an annual event held every June 22.
The show was performed by the OPM, and ignited a much needed sense of normalcy in Moroccan music lovers.
