Elegant, stylish and simply luxurious, Braccialini’s spring/summer collection comes in stunning colour palette with superior Italian craftsmanship. The latest collection symbolizes sophistication while being trendy at the same time and with sizes and styles to suit every occasion….check them out!
If you are going to LA BOHEME tomorrow, then you may want to get an insight into the plot below to appreciate the Opera better. As always, I am taking little diva for her MET Opera indulgence tomorrow night….it is an amazing experience and i enjoy bonding with her at the lovely IMAX theatre. If you have not bought tickets yet, do it now as its a show not to be missed. If you want to win tickets, send me your name and number by 5pm today and I may have 2 tickets for you. ENJOY!
LA BOHEME
Approximate running time 2 hrs. 55 min.
Act I
Paris, the 1830s. In their Latin Quarter garret, the near-destitute painter Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates—Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric student. When the landlord, Benoit, comes to collect the rent, they ply the older man with wine, then throw him out. As his friends leave for the Café Momus, Rodolfo promises to join them later, remaining behind to write. There is a knock at the door; the visitor is a pretty neighbor, Mimì, whose candle has gone out on the stairway. Rodolfo relights it. Mimì realizes she has lost her key, and in the confusion, both candles are blown out. As the two search for the key in the moonlight, their hands meet. Rodolfo tells Mimì his dreams (“Che gelida manina”). She then recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring (“Mi chiamano Mimì”). Rodolfo’s friends are heard outside, urging him to join them; he calls back that he is not alone and will be along shortly. Expressing their joy in finding each other (Duet: “O soave fanciulla”), Mimì and Rodolfo embrace and leave for the café.
Act II
At the Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly but wealthy Alcindoro. The ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to regain Marcello’s attention, she sings a waltz about her popularity (“Quando me’n vo’”). Sending Alcindoro off on an errand, she falls into Marcello’s arms and tells the waiter to charge everything to Alcindoro. Soldiers march by the café, and the bohemians fall in behind.
Act III
At dawn by a tavern on the snowy outskirts of Paris, a customs official admits farm women to the city. Mimì wanders in, searching for the place where Marcello and Musetta now live. When the painter emerges, she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy (Duet: “O buon Marcello, aiuto!”). She says she believes it is best that they part. When Rodolfo appears from the tavern, Mimì hides nearby, though Marcello thinks she has gone. The poet tells Marcello that he wants to separate from his sweetheart, citing her fickleness; pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her coughing can only grow worse in the poverty they share; he’s desperately afraid she will die from her illness. Overcome with tears, Mimì stumbles forward to bid her lover farewell (“Donde lieta uscì”). While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Musetta quarrels with Marcello, who has caught her flirting (Quartet: “Addio dolce svegliare”). The painter and his mistress part, hurling insults at each other, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until spring.
Act IV
Now separated from their girlfriends, Rodolfo and Marcello lament their loneliness in the garret (Duet: “O Mimì, tu più non torni”). Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal. To lighten their spirits the four stage a dance, when suddenly Musetta bursts in to tell them that Mimì is outside, too weak to come upstairs. Rodolfo carries her in, while Musetta asks Marcello to sell her earrings for medicine and Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat (“Vecchia zimarra”). Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their first meeting and their happy days, but she is seized with violent coughing (Duet: “Sono andati?”). The others return and ……..you need to see the end for the finale!
EU Residence, Employment, Recruitment, Business, Market Entry and Citizenship planning made easy with Reconya
With a growing number of expats looking for a Safe, Secure, Transparent Permanent Residence or European citizenship by investment or an international residence either for ease of travel or for their future retirement, Reconya, an advisory, project management and real estate firm has stepped in to provide a seamless, professional, qualified and licensed service to non-EU nationals around the world.
As a networking and marketing, Reconya specializes in the latest developments in residence and citizenship planning in Europe. Currently the company is promoting both Germany’s EU Blue Card for highly skilled workforce and Malta’s permanent residency linked to property purchase and offers all related services linked to Germany and Malta’s Permanent Residence, Citizenship, Employment, Relocation, EU Business entry, Investment opportunities and Real Estate.
Tanya Schober, German National, Owner and CEO of Reconya said, “We are delighted to bring to the UAE a streamlined, transparent, EU licensed and certified service for Non – EU nationals with Germany’s EU Blue Card for skilled workforce, Permanent Residency options for both Germany and Malta and the freshly introduced affordable and certified Citizenship program from Malta’s latest residence option which was launched for non-EU foreigners targeting India, China, and MENA regions, offering great advantages and permanent residence with citizenship in Malta & Germany opening doors to the EU.”
Both Germany and Malta provide solid, secure and competitive residence, business and employment opportunities from a highly skilled workforce perspective as well as from a pure investment perspective. Depending on the client’s individual needs, Reconya – backed by a team of European experts, an extensive European network, and a solid infrastructure based directly in Munich, Germany, Reconya positions itself as ‘the focal point of contact for opening your doors to the EU’.
Reconya is the one stop full service consultancy for investments, residency and citizenship needs in Malta.
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Press release issued on behalf Reconya by Coral Coast PR. For further information, please contact Shereen on +971 507690087 or Shereen@coralcoastpr.com. For project information, please contact Tanya Schober on 0507250696 or +49 (172) 9770221/ info@reconya.com
Editor’s Notes – Reconya
Reconya, an advisory, project management and investment firm based in Bavaria – Germany’s home to leading companies such as BMW, MAN, Siemens, EADS and many more, has stepped in to provide a seamless, professional, qualified and licensed service to non-EU nationals around the world.
The company is run by Tanya Schober, a German national who leverages her own expertise, transparency and highly effective European network and competencies in supporting Non – EU nationals in acquiring EU Residency, Nationality, Relocation, Permanent Residence, Skilled employment opportunities and Business investment opportunities.
Staff at the Bahrain Science Centre moving the skeletons
Bahrain Science Centre, a part of Ministry of Social Development, has relocated the famous scary skeleton exhibition around the centre to accommodate the new theme for May and June 2014 ‘Alternative Energy’.
A squawking pelican greets you when you enter through the main door of the centre. A giant ostrich glares down at you in the ground floor foyer, and a Dama gazelle meets you in the first floor lift lobby. An Arabian oryx, flamingo, glossy ibis and dugong guide you through the first floor foyer, and on the Biodiversity Gallery a ‘Noah’s Ark’ of animal skeletons is there to welcome you.
Visit the Bahrain Science Centre again and experience our exciting new look and feel. Interested visitors can download the weekly programme on the website www.bahrainsciencecentre.com for more information. The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.
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Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com
About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):
The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.
The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.
Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.
The Rock Camp for Girls ends today and it ends with a gig…if you want to see young talent rocking it, below are the details:
Sunreef Yachts is delighted to announce the launch of another unit of its popular motor catamaran model with an unconventional interior solution.
The company, once again, proved that it is the undisputed leader in construction of custom and semi – custom catamarans and superyachts.
Upon the client`s request Sunreef`s interior design team prepared a “tailor made” project with open salon combined with lounge area and bar instead of interior navigation station where some additional storage, small fridge and ice maker were fitted, so that there is an easier access to refreshments for guests, as the galley in down in the aft of the portside hull. The interior decor is made of the highest quality materials, the furniture and walls are in white lacquer with oak elements, as well as white upholstery. All arranged in marine style with a touch of indigo, noble blue and deep red colors.
The interior layout configuration is adapted for 8 guests (+2 kids) with a master cabin and portside guest cabin that has double beds and small kids bed/sofas, as well as the starboard hull with two cabins, the aft one with a double bed and the middle one with a single bed and bunk beds. There is also a TV lounge next to the entrance to the master cabin. The yacht has all the facilities that will provide comfort for its guests. The crew quarters are separated from the guests and are in the starboard forepeak with a bunk bed and its bathroom.
The concept of 60 Sunreef Power was made in response to the growing demand for compact yet highly impressive powerboats.
This yacht has all the features of the popular 70 Sunreef Power, except its slightly smaller 27.8 ft / 8.5 m beam that makes it more convenient for crowded marinas. The aim of 60 Sunreef Power line was to be one of the most successful models in upcoming years and this goal has certainly been achieved.
So despite my diva infused hectic schedule from yesterday (I had to wear orange to spruce things up today), I managed to hang out at the Dubai Motor Village with my favourite brands. While I was a guest of the fabulous team from McLaren, it was great to catch up with the reps from Aston Martin who have much to my delight have spoilt me with some of the best cars recently, with DB9 being my utmost favourite….my next tryst is with a Vanquish or a Rapide (Love life when i hear the roar of a strong engine)
Meeting with McLaren’s Regional Director, Ian Gorsuch, years after doing a cover story on him during his Bentley days was awesome – what a small world. It was just like yesterday and now his kids are all grown up and abroad since I last met his family – time flies. He had some exciting news on the new hot orange McLaren on display about which you will read more in September when the car gets to the Middle East. Naturally diva is always scouting for an exclusive when it comes to cars.
Being a Porsche chick now, despite my challenges with a Cayenne Turbo engine which will undoubtedly cost me heavily in fines, I met with the Porsche team and I have to say, I am super impressed with how much they know about where I’m from, what I like, what i dislike and what is the latest story on my blog and my car preferences (10 points to you Porsche for making my evening just perfect – i left the Motor Village with a huge grin). And I loved all the cars you had on display as well…especially the Panamera and the Cayenne.
The super car exhibition is still at the village until the 3rd of April so do visit.
Little diva has always been a pianist but last year, she left her comfort zone at the Middle East’s First Rock Camp and realised she also enjoyed drumming as much as playing the piano. Back by popular demand now, the camp premise is simple: pick up an instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform it in front of friends, family and fans on the final day.
Camp for Girls UAE (RCFG UAE) announces the second edition of its popular and groundbreaking music education project, set to launch on April 11th. Organised by women and catering to all girls aged from eight to 18, RCGF UAE is an in-depth, five-day course for wannabe female rockers – the first of its kind in the Middle East.
As a parent, I loved the fact that Natasha came out of the camp more confident, found a love for a new musical genre and instrument and highly recommend the camp to other parents.
“This is not just a music camp,” said Zahra Soar, Dubai Eye radio presenter and camp founder. “This is a not-for-profit mentoring program that will empower girls and galvanise them into action. If a student graduates from RCFG UAE with greater confidence to perform, and wants to form her own band, then we have done our job.”
The tuition is on a very personal level; girls are split into bands, each band guided by its own experienced mentor. UAE-based performers like Noush Like Sploosh, Fatiniza and Carla Saad, all well-known names on the Middle East music scene – will pay close attention to each girl’s musical development.
Alongside band rehearsals, girls attend a series of specialised workshops, with instruction on setting up PA systems, lyric writing, creating fanzines, as well as partaking in self-defence classes and band photo-shoots.
And the highlight of the week-long event is the camp finale, which will tie together everything the girls have learned with a headline performance.
We connected really well with organisers behind the camp. Rock camps catering specifically for girls are nothing new. North America and Europe have seen the rise of girl-only rock camps over the past decade, all in the hope of encouraging more girls to pick up instruments, join bands and write their own music. Singer Kate Nash has recently launched an after-school club for girls in the UK.
RCFG UAE receives regular advice and updates from the mentors at the original rock camp for girls in Portland, Oregon and has recently applied to join the internationally accredited Girls Rock Camp Alliance.
For more information about RCFG UAE please call organiser Zahra Soar on 055 9359982 or visit the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RockCampforGirlsUAE
It’s that time of the month when my darling daughter pesters me about seeing MET Opera and convinces me why it being on a school night is actually a good thing and does not interfere with my weekend plans – this kid would do anything for performing arts.
So…the fabulous “Meydan IMAX Theatre presents the Met Opera’s seventh installment, Jules Massenet’ WERTHER this coming week – on April 6th.
Director Richard Eyre returns to the Met with a new staging of Massenet’s tragic romance Werther, starring Jonas Kaufmann and Sophie Koch in their first Met performances as the brooding poet Werther and his unattainable love, Charlotte.
Lisette Oropesa sings the role of Sophie, Charlotte’s sister; David Bižićmakes his Met debut as Charlotte’s fiancé, Albert; and Jonathan Summers is Charlotte’s father, Le Bailli.
Alain Altinoglu conducts the first new Met production of the opera in more than forty years
Show Begins: 6.04.14 at 19.30
Show Ends: 6.04.14 at 23.00
STUDENT: AED 125 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)
REGULAR: AED 150 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)
Hope to see you there!
Carnival Dubai
Tonight I enjoyed meeting with Gul Zeb, Owner & Founder of Carnival, a premium multi-brand boutique for high-end luxury fashion wear in Dubai that started with a small retail outlet and has now grown in to a full-fledge multi-designer boutique.
Carnival fashion house is famous for its select intricate pieces, from prêt-a-porter to haute couture; this outlet offers a lot of variety when it comes to Asian wear. Tonight they unveiled the best of Asian Designers’ Spring Summer Collection 2014.
The outlet is not far from my house so I now have made a point to check them out during my evening walks. Many celebrities such as Abhay Deol, Siddharte Roy, Adnan Siddiqui, Ahsan Khan and many others have visited the outlet on their trip to Dubai.
A talented figure, Zeb designs a signature line under her very own name, Gul Zeb. By balancing modern designs with traditional elegance, she has acquired a large fan following, particularly amongst the Arabs and Asian community.
She mainly focuses on bridal wear, designing exquisite and breath-taking pieces, her devotion & commitment reflects in her work. Most of the top-notch Asian designers currently stock at Carnival such as Faraz Manan, Rana Noman, Nomi Ansari, Zehra Saleem, Priyanka Avasti, to name but a few.
With Gul Zeb being such a warm and friendly person, tonight’s ceremony was attended by crème de la crème of Dubai. “Kashmir Collection” by Crescent, whose brand ambassador for the past two years is Kareena Kapoor, one of the most talented Bollywood Actors, was show cased during the event.
The lawn collection, which sells out like hot cakes in Pakistan, is one of the top-selling brands at Carnival.
Crescent’s Spring Summer Collection 2014 is inspired by flowers, birds and the natural beauty of Kashmir. Priya Awasty, the naturally talented designer, introduced white chickenwork and woven Banarsi textured shirts complemented with vibrant chanderi veils during the launch.
Carnival was recently awarded by Rashid Paedriatic for their generous contributions to the organization and has been actively supporting causes initiated by Care Foundation. The multi-designer boutique is situated on main Al Wasl Road. For more information please call at 04-385 4040.
Globalista Extraordinaire 