The Egyptian Opera House is set to hold a major artistic celebration marking 38 years since its opening, with the event scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Main Hall.
The celebration is being held under the patronage of Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture.
More than 500 artists from the Opera House's various artistic ensembles will take part in the event, presenting a diverse program highlighting the institution's artistic and cultural journey over the past decades.
The celebration is supervised by engineer Yasser Shaalan, head of the Artistic House for Music, Opera and Ballet, while director Hesham El-Taly is directing the event.
Arabic Music Opens the Celebration
The program begins with the national anthem, followed by a performance of Arabic music led by maestros Dr. Mostafa Helmy and Ehab Abdel Hamid.
The program features several well-known musical and vocal works, including “Sadat Days,” “The Cities,” “On a Day and a Night,” “My Mother,” and “Egypt Speaks for Itself.”
The performances feature Ahmed Effat, Enas Ezz El-Din, Kenzy, Mohamed El-Toukhy, and Asmaa Kamal.
Cairo Symphony Orchestra Presents “El Watan El Akbar”
The Cairo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Nader Abbassi and accompanied by the Acapella Choir, will present a special program combining Arabic and international classical music.
For the first time, the orchestra will perform “El Watan El Akbar,” the celebrated operetta by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, featuring a selection of prominent Arabic music stars.
The program will also include “Carmina Burana” by German composer Carl Orff and the “Hymn to the Sun” from Mascagni's opera “Cavalleria Rusticana.”
Cairo Opera Ballet Presents Iconic Works
The Cairo Opera Ballet Company, under the artistic direction of Armenia Kamel, will participate with selected scenes from some of the most celebrated ballet productions.
The performances will be accompanied by the Cairo Opera Orchestra under conductor Mohamed Saad Basha.
The program includes selections from Sergei Prokofiev's “Romeo and Juliet,” as well as “Nile Ballet” by Omar Khairat, choreographed by Abdel Moneim Kamel.
The company will also present “Eastern Steps,” composed by Atiya Sharara and choreographed by Abdel Moneim Kamel and Armenia Kamel.
Cairo Opera Presents Famous International Operas
The Cairo Opera Company, under the artistic direction of Julie Fizy, will perform selections from several renowned international operas with the Opera Choir.
The program features Verdi's “La Traviata,” “Il Trovatore,” and “Rigoletto,” along with Charles Gounod's “Faust,” Kalman’s “Die Csárdásfürstin,” and Gaetano Donizetti's “L'elisir d'amore.”
The performances will feature Rasha Talaat, Julie Fizy, Mostafa Medhat, Dalia Farouk, Mona Rafla, and Reda El-Wakil.
Documentary Highlights the History of the Egyptian Opera House
A documentary film will also be screened during the celebration, tracing the history of the Egyptian Opera House from its establishment to the present day.
The film highlights some of the institution's most important milestones and includes rare footage of the Khedival Opera House.
The production was prepared by the Editing Studio and directed by Samer Mady.
38 Years of Artistic and Cultural Influence
The Egyptian Opera House officially opened on October 10, 1988. Since then, it has played a significant role in enriching Egypt's artistic and cultural scene.
The institution currently includes seven theaters: the Main Hall, Small Hall, Open-Air Theater, Republic Theater, the Arabic Music Institute in Cairo, Sayed Darwish Theater in Alexandria, and Damanhour Opera House in Beheira Governorate.
A Home for Art and Emerging Talent
Over the decades, the Egyptian Opera House has become an important destination for Egyptian audiences as well as Arab and foreign communities.
It has also provided opportunities for emerging artists and ensembles to present their creative work alongside established artistic productions.
Its program encompasses opera, ballet, classical music, Arabic music, cultural salons, visual arts exhibitions, and a wide range of music and singing festivals.
Through this artistic diversity and its extensive human and technical capabilities, the Egyptian Opera House has established itself as one of the leading institutions for serious arts in Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa, while becoming an important landmark in Egypt's cultural and artistic history.
When will the Egyptian Opera House 38th anniversary celebration take place?
The celebration will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Main Hall of the Egyptian Opera House.
How many artists will participate in the celebration?
More than 500 artists from the Egyptian Opera House's various artistic ensembles are expected to participate.
Which art forms will be featured?
The celebration brings together Arabic music, opera, ballet, and classical music, in addition to a documentary about the history of the Egyptian Opera House.
When was the Egyptian Opera House opened?
The Egyptian Opera House opened on October 10, 1988.
How many theaters does the Egyptian Opera House have?
The Egyptian Opera House includes seven theaters across Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour, including the Main Hall, Small Hall, Open-Air Theater, and Republic Theater.
