Dr. Reda El-Wakil announced his decision to step down as president of the Egyptian Opera House following remarks he made during the press conference for the 34th edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference, which sparked discussion within the Egyptian music community.
Reda El-Wakil Announces His Departure
Reda El-Wakil announced his decision in a post on Facebook, explaining his position regarding his time as president of the Egyptian Opera House.
He said he had hoped to remain in the position until the end of his appointment, noting that he believed he had the ability to introduce changes within the institution.
At the same time, El-Wakil said he would not accept having another person control his choices regarding an Egyptian artist whose talent he trusts and who has a strong following among Egyptian audiences.
He also stressed that he did not want to become a source of disputes or disagreements with others and expressed his wish to continue participating in artistic projects as an artist and friend.
Why Did Reda El-Wakil Step Down?
El-Wakil’s announcement came amid controversy surrounding remarks he made during the press conference held to reveal details of the new edition of the Arab Music Festival.
During the conference, he discussed several issues related to the festival, including the available budget, artists’ fees, and the selection of performers for the 34th edition.
Reda El-Wakil Discusses the Festival Budget
During the press conference, Reda El-Wakil addressed the absence of several major singers from the upcoming edition of the Arab Music Festival.
He explained that the available financial resources were among the factors affecting the selection of participating artists.
El-Wakil said the festival’s budget could not accommodate every artist the organizers wanted to invite, given differences in performance fees and related costs.
He also discussed efforts to make use of the available budget, noting that some artists agreed to reduced fees, including composer Omar Khairat.
Reactions in the Egyptian Music Community
El-Wakil’s remarks prompted reactions within the music community, particularly amid discussions surrounding artists’ fees and the financial resources available to the Arab Music Festival.
The developments also coincided with singer Mohamed Tharwat announcing that he would not participate in the new edition of the festival.
In a statement, Tharwat said he rejected participating in what he described as an insult to Egyptian art or Egyptian artists and announced that he would not take part in the 2026 edition of the Arab Music Festival.
Reda El-Wakil’s Future Artistic Activities
Despite stepping down from his position, Reda El-Wakil indicated that he intends to remain active in the artistic field.
He said he hoped to continue appearing as an artist and friend in artistic projects for which he is commissioned, while the preparations for the 34th edition of the Arab Music Festival continue.
Why did Reda El-Wakil step down as president of the Egyptian Opera House?
He announced his departure following controversy surrounding remarks he made at the press conference for the Arab Music Festival.
What did Reda El-Wakil say about the festival’s budget?
He explained that the available budget affects the selection of artists and cannot cover every name the festival organizers would like to invite.
What did he say about artists’ fees?
He discussed differences in artists’ fees and efforts to make the most of the available budget, including reduced fees for some participating artists.
Did Reda El-Wakil mention Omar Khairat?
Yes. He referred to composer Omar Khairat as one of the artists who participated for a reduced fee.
Will Reda El-Wakil continue working in the arts?
Yes. He said he hopes to continue participating as an artist in artistic projects he is asked to join.
