On May 8 and 9, 2025, the Royal Opera House Muscat hosted the world premiere of «Memories of Alhambra», a large-scale production that brought together flamenco, Arab-Andalusian music, and scenic poetry in a contemporary homage to one of the most powerful symbols of the shared history between East and West.
This new production by the Royal Opera House Muscat was the result of a collaboration between the Compañía Flamenca Antonio Andrade, ArtesRed, the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, the Arabic Ensemble under the musical direction of Alaa Zouiten, and the Orquesta Flamenca de Sevilla led by Graci del Saz.
A visual and musical journey through the Alhambra
With more than 30 artists on stage, the production transformed the opera house in Muscat into a living Alhambra. Each scene evoked a symbolic space of the monument in Granada – the Court of the Lions, the Generalife, the Hall of the Kings, the Baths of Comares – in a wordless dramaturgy built from music, dance, and narration. From the delicate oud prelude to the closing number “La Tarara / Bent Bladi”, the show unfolded like a moving tapestry, where flamenco and Arabic music were not merged artificially, but interwoven as a profound gesture of mutual recognition.
Artistic vision and direction
Antonio Andrade, guitarist and composer, and Javier Andrade, producer and creative force behind the project, led both the musical direction and the overall artistic concept. Alongside them, Alaa Zouiten served as musical director of the Arabic ensemble, bringing a deep and authentic approach to the soundscapes of the Maghreb and the Middle East. Graci del Saz conducted the Orquesta Flamenca de Sevilla with technical elegance and expressive sensitivity, guiding each musical passage with precision and soul.
The choreographies were created by Úrsula Moreno and José Galvañ, who developed a physical language adapted to the unique nature of the project. Due to the multicultural essence of the work, many scenes required original choreographic structures, incorporating non-flamenco elements to respectfully accompany the Arabic music, visual storytelling, and poetic atmosphere of the production.
As part of the intercultural dialogue proposed by the piece, the inclusion of local artists enriched the stage experience. The Omani oud virtuoso Ziyad Al Harbi joined the ensemble with an authentic sound, deeply rooted in the musical traditions of the region. Well-known Omani television host and narrator Qusai Mansoor served as storyteller, guiding the audience through the history of the Alhambra and weaving the emotional thread from scene to scene.
A standing ovation that opens paths
The audience at the Royal Opera House Muscat responded with emotion and respect, ending both performances with long standing ovations that honored the symbolic and artistic dimension of the work.
«Memories of Alhambra» was not presented as a mere performance, but as an artistic statement: a return to the deepest roots of flamenco, which acknowledges the Arab culture as one of its most powerful sources. This work does not impose a fusion – it listens to the ancient echo of a dialogue that has always existed.
In the words of Umberto Fanni, General Director of the Royal Opera House Muscat:
“As we draw the 2024–2025 season to a close, Memories of Alhambra stands as a poignant reminder of the power of art to bridge histories, cultures, and identities. The Royal Opera House Muscat’s is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and preserving artistic heritage through world-class productions.”
This premiere marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Compañía Flamenca Antonio Andrade, reaffirming its international vocation and its commitment to a flamenco that is deep, alive, and capable of meaningful dialogue with the world. «Memories of Alhambra» is only the first step on a journey that has just begun.