Tag: Cairo Opera House

  • Japan grants $1.17m to upgrade Cairo Opera House

    Japan grants $1.17m to upgrade Cairo Opera House

    The Cairo Opera House will receive a 180m Japanese yen ($1.17m) grant from the Japanese government to upgrade its equipment and facilities, officials announced today.

    The agreement was signed by Lamia Zaied, head of the Cairo Opera House, and Kato Ken, chief representative of the JICA office in Egypt, in a ceremony witnessed by key officials.

     

    Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno described the project as a “significant milestone” in efforts to enhance Egypt’s cultural landscape and support artistic expression.

     

    He called the Opera House a “beacon of artistic excellence” and highlighted the deep cultural ties between Egypt and Japan. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s support, emphasising the project’s role in preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage while embracing modern technologies.

     

    Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat noted the agreement’s significance within the context of the longstanding partnership between Egypt and Japan, dating back to 1954.

     

    She highlighted Japan’s prior contributions, including to the Grand Egyptian Museum, and emphasized that this grant aligns with both Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the government’s 2024-2027 work program. Al-Mashat underscored the ministry’s commitment to strengthening this partnership, referencing her recent visit to Japan and the signing of three memoranda of understanding, including this grant agreement, with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuji Hisayuki. She stressed the project’s importance in enhancing the Opera House’s operational efficiency and maintaining its status as a leading cultural institution in the Middle East and Africa.

     

    Ambassador Iwai Fumio stated that the agreement continues the Japanese government’s efforts to support the Opera House and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

     

    Kato Ken, representing the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), expressed happiness at the signing, marking the 70th anniversary of Egyptian-Japanese development cooperation.

     

    The upgrade aims to improve Cairo Opera House’s infrastructure and the efficiency of its theatres, with a focus on modernizing the main theatre’s auditorium.

     

    This latest grant builds upon previous Japanese support, including a grant for the Opera House’s reconstruction in 1983, completed in 1988. Since 1954, Japan has provided approximately $2.4bn in grants and technical cooperation to Egypt, with development funding exceeding $7.2bn.

     

  • Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

    Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

    Cairo’s vibrant cultural scene is alive with music as the 32nd Arab Music Festival and Conference, a testament to the rich heritage of the Arab world, kicks off on Friday. The event, dedicated to the iconic musician Sayed Darwish, promises to be a captivating journey through the melodious tapestry of Arabic music.

    Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

    The opening ceremony was a grand affair, graced by a distinguished gathering including Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration; Counselor Mahmoud Fawzi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Political Communication; Inas Abdel Dayem, former Minister of Culture; and Nevine Gamea, former Minister of Trade and Industry. A constellation of ambassadors, artists, and media personalities also graced the occasion.

    The festival’s importance was underscored by Ahmed Hanno, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, who emphasised its crucial role in preserving the musical heritage of Egypt and the Arab world. This festival brings us together, unites us, and celebrates our mother tongue, our unique musical and lyrical heritage,” he said.

    Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

     

    “We are peoples who speak through music, who compose words, who love singing. Tonight we gather on the land of Egypt, the cradle of the arts, where its people inscribed their musical heritage on the facades of their temples thousands of years ago, and made music an integral part of their daily lives.”

    “Arab music is not just sounds and melodies, but a language that penetrates the depths of the soul and conveys feelings, sorrows, and joys,” he added. “Egypt has witnessed throughout the ages the birth of many singers, composers, and musicians who enriched the Arab artistic movement with their creativity. The Arab Music Festival comes to complete the picture and plays a vital role in strengthening identity and protecting authentic musical heritage. Through this festival, we can reclaim our rich heritage, pass it on to future generations, and maintain our authenticity in a world witnessing rapid changes.”

    Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

     

    Beyond the performances, the festival also offers a platform for academic discussion and exploration. “The Arab Music Festival and Conference this year provide a significant opportunity not only for audiences, but also for researchers, scholars, and specialists through the conference sessions, which contribute to strengthening intellectual dialogue about Arab music. We must all work together as one to make Arab music a bridge of communication between peoples, and make this festival a platform for launching young talents and showcasing Arab music to the world,” said Hanno.

    The event pays tribute to those who have shaped Arabic music over the years, with a special nod to the legacy of the late Ratiba El-Hefny, the festival’s founder. “As we launch the 32nd edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference, we remember the late Ratiba El-Hefny, the founder of this brilliant gathering,” said Lamia Zayed, head of the Cairo Opera House and president of the festival. “She will forever remain one of the most prominent figures in our creative life. We gather today not only to celebrate the rich musical heritage passed down by our ancestors, but also to open new doors of innovation and renewal. The Arab Music Festival and Conference is a unique opportunity that brings together artists, musicians, and researchers from across the Arab world and the world to play melodies that touch hearts and illuminate minds, where the fragrance of the past blends with the horizons of the present and future.”

    Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

     

    The opening ceremony itself was a breathtaking spectacle. It began in the Opera House Square with a performance by the youth and children of the Talent Development Center, under the supervision of the centre’s artistic director, Sameh Saber. This was followed by the opening of the calligraphy exhibition by the honoured artists, Khalifa Ahmed al-Shimi and Mohammed Hassan Ahmed, in the Salah Taher Hall at the Opera House.

    The ceremony continued with the national anthem followed by a documentary film celebrating the life of Sayed Darwish. The first part of the concert featured a solo performance by the late composer’s grandson, violinist Ahmed Darwish. Following this was a musical performance by young artist Mohammed Hassan and Syrian artist Lina Chamamyan, concluding with a captivating performance by the renowned Tunisian artist Lotfi Bouchnak.

    The second part of the concert was a treat for music lovers with the iconic Medhat Saleh performing a selection of his most beautiful songs alongside those from the golden age of music, accompanied by composer Amro Selim on the piano and the orchestra led by Maestro Ahmed Amer.

    The Arab Music Festival and Conference, set to continue for 14 days, ending on Thursday, October 24, will host a series of concerts featuring a diverse range of 113 artists, including 76 singers, at various locations including the Opera Houses in Cairo, Alexandria, and Beheira. The festival promises to be a cultural feast, celebrating the power of music to connect, inspire, and preserve heritage.

    Hanno, acknowledging the contributions of those who have shaped the cultural landscape of Egypt and the Arab world, honoured 19 creators with shields and certificates of appreciation. Those recognized included: poet Hussein El Sayed, poet Mamoun Al-Shinnawi, singer and composer Ahmad El Haggar, calligraphers Khalifa El-Shimi and Mohamed Hassan Ahmed, former dean of the Higher Institute of Arabic Music Enaam Labib, Professor of Folk Music Mohamed Shabana, poet Ibrahim Abdel Fattah, oud player Hazem Shaheen, Kawala player Abdallah Helmi, composers Mamdouh Seif, Khalid bin Hamad al-Busaidi, Mohammed Mohsen, Salah El Sharnoubi, singers Fouad Zbadi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ziad Rahbani, Mohamed Mounir, and former Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem.

     

  • Korea Culture Week wraps up at Cairo Opera House

    Korea Culture Week wraps up at Cairo Opera House

    The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) organized Sunday the closing concert of the Korean Culture Week at the Cairo Opera House’s small theatre, where the audience enjoyed Korean traditional music as well as the “Arirang” performance.

     

    With this concert, the curtain falls on Korean Culture Week, organized in cooperation with the Opera House from 22 to 28 September, to celebrate the KCC’s 10th anniversary.

     

    Combining the sounds of traditional Korean instruments, an Egyptian amateur group played some musical pieces learned in the Gugak Academy, accompanied by the Korean trainer Park Jae-hyeong, a member of the Korean National Gugak Centre’s Folk Music Group. “Gugak” in the Korean language refers to the Korean traditional music that has been passed down through the generations for thousands of years. 40 Egyptian young people took part in the Gugak academy organized by the KCC in cooperation with the Academy of Arts from 15 to 26 September.

     

    The concert concluded with an “Arirang” performance presented by Eom Ye-jin and Noh Yoon-ji, who coached the “Arirang” workshop held at the KCC from 23 to 26 September.

     

    Arirang, a popular song that all Koreans know, was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2012. The song is estimated to be over 600 years old, and there are over 60 versions of the song in Korea, but they are all filled with feelings of love, sorrow, and hope.

     

    Korean Ambassador Kim Yong-hyon emphasized in his speech that South Korea is very keen on strengthening and deepening ties with Egypt. The Ambassador emphasized as well, the important role of public diplomacy in exploring new horizons for cooperation and pushing forward the bilateral ties of the two countries.

     

    The Korean Ambassador said that the Korean Embassy plans to organize a series of events next year as part of its celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

     

    The ambassador noted that the past three decades have contributed to the development of strong ties between the two countries towards a comprehensive strategic partnership, which makes it a model to be emulated in bilateral relations between countries.

     

    For his part, Oh Sung-ho, Director of the KCC, stressed that the Center will continue enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries, expressing his hope that next year will witness more cooperation at all levels.

     

    The closing concert, which lasted for 9o minutes, witnessed great audience interaction, as the audience sang “Arirang” with the Korean performers, amid an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm.

  • Culture Minister opens 31st Cairo International Experimental Theatre Festival

    Culture Minister opens 31st Cairo International Experimental Theatre Festival

    Egypt’s Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno inaugurated the 31st Cairo International Experimental Theatre Festival, dedicated to the late renowned Egyptian playwright and theatre director Alaa Abdel Aziz, at the Grand Theatre of the Cairo Opera House on Monday. The event was attended by a distinguished group of artists.

     

    “We gather today in the heart of Cairo, where the Cairo International Experimental Theatre Festival returns to illuminate the capital with creativity,” Hanno said in his opening speech. “It opens a window to new worlds of imagination and art, where modernity meets tradition and experiment meets convention, giving birth to a new art form and a different language of expression.”

    Hanno highlighted the festival’s legacy, spanning over three decades. “It’s a platform for exploration, pushing the boundaries of art and seeking new horizons,” he said.

    The festival, running for 11 days, will feature workshops, symposiums and performances by prominent figures in theatre from Egypt and around the world.

    The festival paid tribute to Abdel Aziz, with his widow, Rasha Kheir, accepting the honour. The minister also recognised several other prominent figures in the Arab and international theatre scene.

     

    The list of awardees includes veteran actor Mahmoud Hemida, renowned artist Mohamed Abdel Maaty, set designer Sobhi Sayed, prominent Egyptian critic Fathi El-Ashry, director John Sibi Okumu (Kenya), actor Waleed Awni (Lebanon), artist and critic Yousef Al-Hamdan (Bahrain), Maimoun Al-Khaldi (Iraq), artist Savas Patsalidis (Greece), writer Mohamed Said Al-Zanhani (UAE), writer and critic Malha Abdullah (Saudi Arabia), artist Mart Mjuusi (Estonia), and the “El-Borsha Theatre Group.”

     

    The Minister of Culture also bestowed the “Personality of the Year” award upon prominent writer Ismail Abdallah, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Theatre Institute.

     

    The opening ceremony also saw the introduction of the jury members: Medhat El-Adl (Egypt), Jury President, John Sibi Okumu (Kenya), Savvas Patsalidis (Greece), Salwa Mohamed Ali (Egypt), Mart Mjuusi (Estonia), Abdel Ilah Al-Sannani (Saudi Arabia) and Hizaa Al-Barari (Jordan).

     

    Sameh Mahran, Festival President, said, “The festival reinforces the importance of experimental theatre, where perspectives on theatre, its meanings, and artistic systems are transformed. Yet, some still question the meaning of experimentation. Experimentation, in its simplest form, challenges the structured consciousness of individuals and communities, encourages innovation and opens new horizons for freedom and creativity.”

     

    The opening ceremony concluded with the performance of the Egyptian theatrical piece “Echoes of the Wall of Silence,” directed by Waleed Awni and produced by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

  • Tickets to Cairo Opera House concerts available on Ticketsmall platform

    Tickets to Cairo Opera House concerts available on Ticketsmall platform

    Fawry for Banking and Payment Technology announced renewing its contract with the Cairo Opera House to provide electronic payment services through the Ticketsmall platform.

    The agreement aims to make the process of booking tickets online easy and secure, as well as provide a distinctive experience to the audience of the Opera House.

    According to the agreement; Ticketsmall will be the online booking platform for the concerts of the Cairo Opera House for an additional three years. This reflects the trust of the administration of the Cairo Opera House headed by Magdy Saber, and its large audience in the technological solutions provided by Fawry.

    Moreover, for the first time in Egypt, Fawry Dahab also allows users to pay ticket prices in installments through Ticketsmall platform using five banks so far, which are the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), Banque Misr, Bank Audi, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait, and Emirates NBD. Ticketsmall allows customers to choose the Installment service, and a repayment period that starts at three months to 12 months.

     “We are proud of this partnership with Fawry Dahab, the leading company that owns the largest share in the electronic payments market in Egypt. We chose this company to provide the audience of the Cairo Opera House with a more convenient payment experience to achieve digital integration,” said Magdy Saber.

    Ashraf Sabry, CEO of Fawry, said: “We are very pleased to provide digital payment solutions and services through Ticketsmall to the audience of the Opera House. This partnership brings us closer to our goal strategy of achieving financial inclusion and accelerating digital transformation in our society,”. He pointed out that this agreement is not the first of its kind. His company has signed many agreements with government sectors to offer technological solutions in line with national policies.

    “For the first time in Egypt in the field of concerts, the Ticketsmall application was launched on smart phones. It turned from being a website to an application that includes a smart wallet to help users book tickets to attend events at the Cairo Opera House. The payment is made through the various Fawry Dahab channels,” he said. He also stressed Ticketsmall provides flexibility that helps customers pay for the tickets using various digital payment methods available for various segments of society to provide a distinguished service in an easy and smooth manner. It also gives users the option to send tickets through the application to customers in order to save time more securely.

    The Cairo Opera House is one of the oldest artistic entities in the Middle East and is distinguished by its distinct audience since its first inception in 1869. It brought together singers and artists from Egypt and the Arab world. 

  • Cairo Opera House to hold 27 concerts celebrating Ramadan

    Cairo Opera House to hold 27 concerts celebrating Ramadan

    The Cairo Opera House will hold a series of 27 artistic performances during the holy month of Ramadan, according to its Chairperson Magdy Saber. 

    Saber said that all the shows will start at 21:30, and will include distinguished musical and singing evenings with a spiritual and religious character.

    The concerts aim to elevate feelings of happiness and spirituality during the holy month, whilst highlighting the talents of unique young artistic groups. 

    He added that the celebration will also include singing events by Egyptian and Arab stars, in addition to continuing the activities of the opera season programme.

    Earlier, Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem approved the Cairo Opera House’s artistic and cultural programme for the month of Ramadan. The celebration will be held in the Opera Houses of Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour.

    Saber indicated that the Ramadan Nights programme includes 10 concerts at the Cairo Opera House’s Fountain Theater, which will, for the first time, see opera evenings during the holy month. 

    The concerts will be presented by stars including: Mohamed Mounir; Nessma Abdel Aziz; the Talent Development Center (The Big Night Show); Medhat Saleh; Dina Al-Wedidi; Nouran Abu Talib; and the vocalist Yassin Al-Tohami. 

    Other events that are set to take place include a concert by the Tunisian singer Ghalia Ben Ali and the Hadara troupe for Sufi chanting, who will also perform two shows at the Sayed Darwish Theater in Alexandria.

    Meanwhile, the Cairo Opera House’s small theatre will also host three Islamic evenings that will include music from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palestine. These concerts will feature the musical and lyrical heritages of all three countries, along with examples of their customs and traditions. 

    The Cairo Opera House’s artistic season programme will take place at its various theatres with 12 different concerts by the Abdel Halim Nouira band for Arab music, as well as three concerts by the Talent Development Center.

    This is in addition to performances by the Sayed Darwish Heritage Ensemble, and the Easter Concert for the Umm Al-Nur choir. Additionally, there will be two concerts by the religious singing troupe, the Conservatoire Orchestra, two events by the Opera Cinema Club, as well as an episode of the Wahhabis series.

  • Beating pandemic boredom: Egyptian Opera House hosts 584 cultural events in 2020

    Beating pandemic boredom: Egyptian Opera House hosts 584 cultural events in 2020

    The year 2020 has been a universally tough year, with all aspects of life severely affected or completely halted due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Of the sectors most severely affected by the global health crisis, tourism, culture, and creative sectors suffered significantly. Despite this, the Egyptian Opera House has succeeded in presenting artistic activities throughout the past year.

    Despite the decision to suspend cultural and artistic activities for more than three months from March 2020, the Opera continued to carry out their enlightening message. As part of this, they presented 584 artistic and cultural events in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour, with works put on to improve public taste and define the human artistic heritage.

    These performances have been divided between local and foreign innovations, all of whom have played an important role in providing the young creators the opportunity to express themselves in society. The works have also been presented as a way of attracting audiences from different age groups, in addition to developing society.

    In line with the state’s special orientations to revive intellectual and artistic activities, and coexist with the coronavirus, the new open air Fountain Theater at the Cairo Opera House was established. The new theatre allows for performances and art exhibitions to be presented, while taking the necessary preventive measures against the coronavirus.

    Moreover, the Ministry of Culture launched an online initiative, entitled “Culture is between your hands”, which has played an important role in presenting concerts, salons, and creative activities to audiences at home.

    As part of this initiative, the Cairo Opera House organised 104 concerts on its big stage, and 103 concerts on the small stage, while the Alexandria Opera House organised 95 at its Sayed Darwish Theater, and the Damanhour Opera House organised 42 concerts.

    Among its other activities, the Cairo Opera House presented a joint online concert between the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Ahmed Al-Saidi, and the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra of China.

    It also organised a unique concert featuring a hologram of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, which was a huge public success. This came in addition to its holding 584 artistic events and cultural activities in the opera theatres in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour, while taking the necessary preventive measures against the coronavirus.

    The 584 events included 28 evening salons, cultural seminars, and 48 ​​exhibitions for plastic arts.

    Foreign troupes perform in Cairo

    Cairo Opera House Chairperson, Magdy Saber, said that in the run-up to the suspension of cultural events due to the coronavirus, and as part of cultural exchange between Egypt and many foreign countries, Egypt’s opera houses hosted a number of visiting groups from abroad.

    These included the Cairo Steps Ensemble (Egypt-Germany), the Fire of Georgia (the Royal Georgia Ballet), the Milan Ballet (Italy), the Heilongjiang Symphony Orchestra (China), the Tenor Quartet (Czech Republic). Events were also held to mark certain notable days, including World Hindi Day, and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of formal relations between Egypt and Korea.

    The Opera Cultural Salon continued to achieve its goals to enlighten audiences, honouring many prominent Egyptian pioneers and figures in cultural fields. The salon also presented poetry evenings and public cultural seminars at the opera theatres in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour.

    Saber added that, under the supervision of its artistic director and main conductor, Maestro Ahmed El-Saedy, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra celebrated the 62nd anniversary of its formation. He explained that the orchestra had performed 27 different concerts at various opera theatres all over the country, including a group of the most famous international classical musical compositions.

    Meanwhile the Cairo Opera Troupe, under the supervision of its artistic director Iman Mostafa, performed Giacomo Puccini’s renowned opera Tosca, this year, in addition to 16 concerts, which included many international songs and Christmas songs.

    The Cairo Opera’s Ballet Company presented seven performances, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Osiris, and Sirtaki Zorba.

    As for Egypt’s Modern Dance Troupe, under the supervision of its artistic director Walid Awny, presented its new show Akhenaten Dust of Light. This was in addition to three shows of Serena the Mermaid, The Two Maids, and Deeper than it appears on the surface.

    The Cairo Opera Orchestra, under the supervision of its artistic director Maestro Nair Nagy, presented three concerts that included excerpts from famous international songs and music. These were also accompanied by ballet and opera performances.

    For the 11th year, the Cairo Opera House succeeded in renewing its exclusive and direct broadcast licence for shows by New York’s Metropolitan Opera. This has been designed to create a state of artistic and cultural interest and understanding in Egypt, and to introduce the different cultures of the world to enrich the country’s artistic life.

    Reviving Arab world’s musical heritage

    As part of the interest in reviving the Arab world’s musical heritage, music groups from across the region and who are affiliated with the Cairo Opera House presented 89 periodic concerts. This includes: 15 concerts by the Abdel Halim Nouira Band for Arab music; 29 by the Arab National Music Group; 10 by the Arab Heritage Music Group; 18 by the Alexandria Opera for Arab Music and Singing; 13 concerts by the religious chanting group; and four concerts by the opera children’s choir. These ran in addition to the celebrations that took place as part of the 29th edition of the Arab Music Festival.

    These concerts witnessed the commemoration of the symbols and pioneers of music in Egypt and the Arab world, aiming for a revival of the Arabic music form, and preserving it from extinction.

    More than 59 recitals, featuring soloists or small groups following a programme, were held by Egyptian artists in the Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour Opera House.

    The first edition of the Dandara Festival for Music and Singing, located in Qena Governorate, was also set up as the first of its kind in southern Egypt.

    The festival ran for six days in cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and included 10 concerts presented by the Black Tema band, Medhat Saleh, accompanied by pianist Amr Selim, Ali Al-Hajjar, Hisham Abbas, Massar Egbari, the Luxor Folklore band, and Mai Farouk.

    On the other hand, the Supreme Council of Culture, headed by Hisham Azmy, organised a total of 381 international and local cultural activities and events over 2020.

    The activities were held with the actual participation or as part of the “Culture is Between Your Hands” initiative launched by Minister of Culture Inas Abdel-Dayem. This has seen the involvement of the Supreme Council of Culture’s 24 specialised committees, in cooperation with its conference secretariat team. It also ensured continued support from intellectuals in Egypt and across the Arab world, despite the difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The activities came as part of the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, and included a series of international and local forums and conferences.

    The International Cultural Dialogue Forum, held five events as part of its “Culture Brings Us Closer” initiative, alongside nine events to strengthen cultural relations in cooperation with cultural entities abroad. A series of 91 seminars and evenings, including lectures and intellectual salons, also took place.

    A series of online events were held with domestic and regional participation, including a series of lectures entitled “Online Culture”. The digital series included 24 events such as the “Read With Us” series which included 106 individual events. This occurred in addition to the “Everyday a Poet” series, organised by the Council’s Poetry Committee, and which saw 75 activities held.

    Other events included the “Our Life with Music” series, which saw 11 events held and was organised by the Supreme Council of Culture’s Committee for Music. A “Reading from a Translated Book” series, featuring 10 events, was also held, organised by the council’s Translation Committee. The series covering plastic arts and architecture included 44 events and was organised by the Board of Plastic Arts and Architecture Committee

  • Cairo Opera House to host Awladna International Forum for Arts on Sunday

    Cairo Opera House to host Awladna International Forum for Arts on Sunday

    The Awladna International Forum for Arts of the Gifted will launch its fourth edition at the Cairo Opera House’s Grand Theatre, on Sunday, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

    All the forum’s participants were required to conduct PCR tests, as a preventive measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The forum offers a moment for children with disabilities to perform and enrich their artistic talents, amidst interaction between a diversity of children of different abilities and cultures.

    Sohair Abdel Kader, Founder of the Awladna Initiative, announced that the forum will ensure all the precautionary measures are in place, to ensure the safety of the participants. She also said that the forum will contribute to spreading optimism and a positive spirit in society, in addition to its significant contribution to promote Egypt’s cultural treasures.

    The opening ceremony included many artistic performances, including by the Egyptian band Black Theama, featuring the participation of a number of artists and stars.

    The forum will present various forms of arts involving children with special abilities, whilst also promoting the inclusiveness and empowerment of these youngsters and their families.

    This year, the forum is sponsored by Minister of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs Nabila Makram, Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Kabbaj, Minister of Culture Inas Abdel-Dayem, Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani, and Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said.

    The forum includes the participation of people with special abilities in various artistic fields, including feature films, documentaries, and musical performances. A series of training workshops will also be held as part of the forum for the participants.

  • Cairo Opera House to hold international opera concerts on Thursday

    Cairo Opera House to hold international opera concerts on Thursday

    The Cairo Opera House will hold two concerts on Thursday, presenting a selection of excerpts from international opera performed by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra.

    The Cairo Opera Troupe, accompanied by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and led by international maestro Nader Abbasi, will perform a collection of excerpts from the most famous international operas.

    The concerts will be held on 15 and 16 October at the Cairo Opera House’s Grand Theater, including Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Turandot, Samson and Delilah, The Elixir of Love, La Traviata, Tosca, and The Masquerade.

    The Cairo Opera Troupe was officially formed in 1964, and has presented many of the most famous international operas during its illustrious career. During this time, it has developed a repertoire including more than 32 popular operas. It has also participated in huge shows at the world’s largest theatres, and has gained a large fan base of opera enthusiasts.

  • Cairo Opera House announces auditions for Oriental Music Department

    Cairo Opera House announces auditions for Oriental Music Department

    The Cairo Opera House’s Oriental Music Department announced, on Monday, that it will hold auditions for singers and instrumentalists aiming to join its Middle Eastern music companies.

    The auditions will accept musicians and singers of both genders, on the condition that they are between 18 and 30 years old. Those interested are invited to directly contact the department’s central administration office before 15 November.

    Jehan Morsi, Head of Oriental Music Department, said that singers are required to prepare one song representing older Arabic music heritage, and one piece representing contemporary Arabic music. Instrumentalists must have the ability to read notes and are required to prepare an Arabic music piece.

    Candidates will be required to audition in front of artists working with the Cairo Opera House that are specialised in Arabic music.

    The Cairo Opera House is home to a large number of companies, including five groups specialised in performing Arab music.

    The companies specialised in performing the Arab music are the Religious Song Ensemble, the Abdel Halim Nowera Ensemble for Arab Music, the National Arab Music Ensemble, and Arab National Music Company, in addition to the Alexandria Opera Company for Arab Music and Singing.