Blue Note Returns to Dubai Opera to Celebrate International Jazz Day 30 April 2026

Date Posted:Wed, 25th Feb 2026

Blue Note Returns to Dubai Opera to Celebrate International Jazz Day 30 April 2026

Following a triumphant, sold-out debut, Blue Note Jazz returns to Dubai Opera this April for its second edition, offering an even more compelling celebration of one of the most influential legacies in modern music. Presented by MAC Global in collaboration with Dubai Opera, and supported by UNESCO and the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, the concert once again honors the pioneering spirit of Blue Note Records.

 

More than a performance, the evening stands as a living tribute to a label that redefined the language of jazz. Since its founding in 1939, Blue Note has shaped a bold, expressive and uncompromising sound, producing recordings that continue to inspire generations of artists worldwide. Building on the momentum of last year’s success, this new edition presents a renewed and reimagined musical journey.

Under the direction of Ronnie Scott’s acclaimed bandleader Pete Long, an outstanding international ensemble – featuring Mark Armstrong, Simon Spillett, Liam Dunachie, Andy Cleyndert, Seb De Krom and Sara Oschlag – will reinterpret iconic repertoire with authenticity and contemporary energy. A special highlight of the evening will be the guest appearance of the Francesco Cafiso Duo, bringing an additional layer of virtuosity and modern lyricism to the programme.

Audiences can expect a performance that captures the spiritual intensity of John Coltrane and the cool innovation of Miles Davis, while embracing fresh interpretations that reflect today’s global jazz landscape. Moving beyond nostalgia, the concert transforms legendary recordings into a vibrant, living experience shaped by the individuality and interplay of the musicians on stage.

With its return to Dubai Opera on International Jazz Day, Blue Note further establishes itself as a landmark cultural event in the city’s calendar, a meeting point for heritage, improvisation and world-class artistry in one unforgettable night.

Tickets start from AED 290 and are available at dubaiopera.com and platinumlist.net.

About MAC Global

MAC Global, part of Sony Music Entertainment, is a multi-award-winning, pan-regional concert promotion, talent management, event and production company based in Dubai.

Founded in 2014 by Rob McIntosh and Daniel Goldberg, the company has played a defining role in shaping the region’s live entertainment landscape, presenting some of the world’s most prominent artists in the Middle East, including Ed Sheeran, Drake, Michael Bublé, Sia, Bastille, Emeli Sandé, George Ezra, Louis Tomlinson, Lewis Capaldi and Tiësto.

More information: https://www.macglobal.com/ 

About Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is the UAE’s principal performing arts centre and the city’s only purpose-built multi-format theatre. Opened in 2016 and located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the venue features a 2,000-seat auditorium and a flexible studio space for up to 250 guests.

Through a diverse year-round programme spanning opera, ballet, concerts, theatre and family productions, Dubai Opera serves as a cultural meeting point for audiences from around the world. Its mission is to inspire and connect communities through the performing arts, contributing to Dubai’s vision as a leading global cultural destination.

More information: https://dubaiopera.com/