The Man Who Brought World-Class Performances to Dubai: Jasper Hope

Jasper Hope is that man whose passion for creative performance and impeccable leadership has positioned Dubai Opera as a global hub for arts and entertainment. Since August 2016, Hope has been directing an impressive orchestration of high-class performances successfully charming the globe at the helm of this iconic venue.

Prior to arriving in Dubai, Hope has a long history of performing arts experience. He honed his craft as the COO of one of the world’s most eminent performance venues, the Royal Albert Hall in London, in crafting unforgettable artistic experiences. Considered the new vision, and with experiences gained from traversing most of the celebrated performance halls around the globe, he was well-equipped to embark on this momentous undertaking and turn Dubai Opera into reality. A refreshing cultural landscape for the UAE had begun since Hope set out reorienting the relationship between the region and performing arts.

The first season of Dubai Opera was nothing short of spectacular. The Pearl Fishers by Bizet opened night followed with one of its highpoints: the show by the Russian State Ballet, and outstanding magicians, not to mention Emirati talent itself-in this instance, the famous singer Hussain Al Jassmi. This lineup, so diverse in tastes, confirmed that Hope really wants something for everyone from its classical fans to those who enjoy any new act. It also showed his strategical vision – not just to please the residents of Dubai but to millions of tourists who visit this city every year.

It was not an easy task to fill the 2,000-seat auditorium of Dubai Opera each and every day of the week, but Hope’s persistent hard work and creative approach made it possible. He designed extraordinary performances that ensured the venue became synonymous with world-class entertainment. For example, ranging from opera and ballet to comedy and live concerts, the eclectic offering of Dubai Opera reflects the person’s belief that art can bring people across cultural boundaries together.

The community side has also been incorporated by the leadership of Hope as Dubai Opera has always been involved in outreach and education. In this case, it frequently conducts various workshops, master classes, and talks to nurture local talent and further increase appreciation for the arts. In doing so, Hope has made performing arts accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds in order to create an artistic community in Dubai.

With an excellent ability to balance big ideas and small details, Hope has also played a vital role in making the physical space of Dubai Opera fit the cultural aspirations. The dhow-inspired design of the venue is absolutely breath-taking and pays great homage to the maritime heritage of Dubai, while state-of-the-art facilities place it as one of the world’s most versatile performance spaces. Be it grand opera, an intimate recital, or a corporate event, Dubai Opera seamlessly adapts to deliver exceptional experiences.

He has widely received recognition for his inputs to Dubai Opera, is generally considered one of the leaders of influential cultural change, and has successfully managed to present Dubai Opera on the international map. Hope, the creative commercial skills and capabilities that went to place Dubai Opera on the map have, for him, stamped the emirate in a position as the place of global cultural affairs. For him, it is not just an auditorium; rather, it is a platform he desires to inspire, connect, and celebrate the transformative power of arts.

Dubai remains one of the world’s hubs for tourism and innovation, and work at Dubai Opera by Jasper Hope sums up how culture can play a vital role in shaping a city. Passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the magic of live performances–elements comprise the grand legacy of the Dubai Opera from opera and magnificent shows to today’s contemporary events. Dubai Opera, under the magnanimous leadership of Hope, remains the real magic- casting a spell on the audiences and serving as a benchmark in the world of performing arts.

This is the story of Jasper Hope, testifying to what visionary leadership and a deep love for the arts can achieve-with all those qualities: he has created a world-class venue under Dubai Opera, and his vision is working its way into being a cultural legacy for generations to come.