Every two years, Cairo hosts Egypt’s only Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youths. Winners not only perform but also … More
Category: Egypt
Ziad Rahbani (1956-2025): An endless legacy
Few artists have shaped the cultural and political fabric of the Arab world quite like Ziad Rahbani, and his passing … More
Khaled Saleh: A music of possibilities
Over the past two decades, the name Khaled Saleh has repeatedly appeared in various publications—in recent years often in connection … More
Cairo Opera House celebrates legacy of ballet master Abdel Moneim-Kamel
On 19 and 20 June, the Cairo Opera House staged two gala evenings in tribute to the late Abdel-Moneim Kamel … More
Boundless emotions in Greek National Opera Ballet’s performances in Cairo
On 6 and 7 June, the Greek National Opera (GNO) Ballet gave two performances at the main hall of the … More
Beyond acting: Sudanese actress Eiman Yousif’s many talents
Known for her role in Goodbye Julia, Sudanese actress Eiman Yousif is a well-rounded artist, with music – singing and … More
‘The world is attracted to tragedies,’ says Sudanese director Mohammed Altraifi
Director/producer Mohammed Altraifi wants to focus on distribution of stories made by Sudanese filmmakers to reach everyone. Published in The … More
‘I want to keep dreaming,’ says Sudanese actress Eiman Yousif
A starring role in Sudan’s ‘Goodbye Julia’ was a dream come true for Eiman Yousif. Yet, while the international accolades … More
Cairo Opera Ballet debuts Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty in Egypt
The Cairo Opera Ballet Company will give its first performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Sleeping Beauty on 9 … More
Egypt: All set for 13th edition of Luxor African Film Festival
The 13th edition of the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) which showcases African creativity, will take place from 9-15 February … More
Dilemma for Egyptian, Arab artists in solidarity with Palestinian people
The artists of Egypt and other Arab countries remain deeply saddened, angry and mostly helpless towards the ongoing tragic situation … More
Playboy in Alexandria: On Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Opera Don Giovanni was staged at the main hall of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for three evenings between 18 and 20 … More
Egyptian soprano Neveen Allouba to be awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters
Well-known Egyptian soprano Neveen Allouba will be awarded France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in the grade of Chevalier … More
Egyptian, African, Greek, Macedonian: The great Cleopatra debate resurfaces
For centuries, Pharaonic and by extension the Ptolemaic Kingdom, inspired painters, writers, playwrights, film, and theatre-makers. One of the most … More
How Egypt’s ‘Zoom Africa’ seeks to undo longstanding stereotypes
Old flames: Egyptian ensemble Zaii Zaman returns with a concert at Tahrir Cultural Centre
Following a few years hiatus, Zaii Zaman returned with a unique Ramadan concert staged at the Tahrir Cultural Centre’s garden … More
Back to the future: Musical Wala Fi El-Ahlam reopens Cairo’s Kasr El-Nil Theatre
Premiering in February 2023, the musical theatre production Wala Fi El-Ahlam by the Egyptian Musical Theatre troupe has continued to … More
Nader Abbassi: A maestro with many hats
Just days prior to conducting the United Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert featuring soprano Fatma Said at the new Grand … More
‘Signs are only signs when we choose to believe in them’: Nouran AbuTaleb on new release Betshoof Alamat
Egyptian singer Nouran AbuTaleb released Betshoof Alamat (You See Signs) on Friday. This is the first song from an album … More
Basem Darwisch: Finding oneself
When speaking of cultural fusion, composer, oud player, and music manager Basem Darwisch is among the first names that comes … More
A lot to choose from: On the multitude of Egypt’s art and culture festivals
The second half of 2022 brings an increased presence of artistic activities to many Egyptian cities. The current months are … More
Lessons in theatre: On Duncan Macmillan’s play ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ in Cairo
Duncan Macmillan’s play Every Brilliant Thing was staged in Egyptian Arabic at the Rawabet Art Space in Cairo Every Brilliant … More
Sacred sounds: On Mozart’s Requiem in Cairo
Mozart’s Requiem was performed in Cairo on two consecutive evenings, 12 and 13 May. Among the core values of music … More
A musical koshari
Have performers from different nationalities cook traditional Egyptian songs, but spice it all up with an Egyptian darbouka and an … More
Shaking it up again: Yakout on presiding over Cairo Int’l Festival for Experimental Theatre
Gamal Yakout, the newly appointed president of the festival’s 28th edition scheduled for December 2021, talks about his vision and … More
Tarek Raouf Ensemble: A brand new Egyptian band bids on modern jazz
With a four-horn jazz combo and an Indian tabla, the new band brings a new interesting colour to the Egyptian … More
Rowan Maher explores tunes of Egyptian cinema through its songs
Accompanied by seven musicians, Maher will present a series of songs from the known Egyptian films of the 2000s A … More
Cairotronica: Platform for media artists to ruminate on digital technology’s impact on life
Brain child of Haytham Nawar, this year’s Cairotronica was themed ‘Data Fiction’ and took place across two venues: Factory space … More
Egyptian saxophonist Nour Ashour longs for ‘wanas’ in his first track composed during quarantine
Titled ‘Wanas’, the track is the first in a series of compositions coming from Ashour’s home studio in King Mariout … More
‘I Passed By…’: History of Egyptian theatre through Manal Ebrahim’s personal creative journey
The long-standing assistant director and director Manal Ebrahim’s unique exhibition which took place last March bears witness to the Egyptian … More
Egyptian cultural manager Ahmed El-Attar discusses his art ecosystem
‘Keep dreaming with your feet on the ground,’ art manager Ahmed El-Attar said on his creative ecosystem In early March, … More
All strings attached: A heartwarming debut of Egypt’s Isis String Orchestra for amateur musicians
The orchestra gave two consecutive concerts on Thursday 26 November, at the All Saints’ Cathedral in Zamalek Amateur music ensembles … More
INTERVIEW: Egypt’s culture minister Ines Abdel-Dayem on the arts scene, plans in the face of Covid-19
With the difficult financial situation faced by artists being an urgent topic, Abdel-Dayem discusses solutions and redraws the map of … More
While international orchestras gradually resume activities, the Cairo Symphony’s future remains vague
The musicians of Egypt’s oldest national orchestra are finding it hard to keep their spirits high and make ends meet … More
Zorba online: Unique history of one of the Cairo Opera Ballet Company’s most triumphant works
The staging of Zorba will be made available by the Ministry of Culture on its YouTube channel, starting 7 June … More
‘The dancers are eager to get back to the stage’: Erminia Kamel, Cairo Opera Ballet’s artistic director
After two months of suspension of all cultural activities, Erminia Kamel talks about the Egyptian ballet company’s situation, saddened by … More
Massar Egbari’s keyboardist Ayman Massoud starts electronic music project
While continuing to perform with the well known band Massar Egbari, a new endeavour might take Massoud to many fascinating … More
Women of Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra: A vibrant plethora of musicians, talents, personalities
Al Nour Wal Amal Chamber Orchestra for the blind and visually impaired woman musicians has just returned from their 31st … More
‘It is not easy but with perseverance, everything is possible’: Egyptian tenor Ragaa Eldin
Most recently, the young Egyptian tenor Ragaa Eldin won the Association of Opera and Operetta Enthusiasts award during the International … More
Switzerland’s HORA Theatre invites Cairo audience to look differently at disabilities
Part of the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival’s programming, the Disabled Theatre was staged on 21 and 22 March at AUC’s … More
A play for every child: Egypt’s 7th Hakawy International Arts Festival
The Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children that took place between 7 and 16 March brought theatre and other activities … More
Remembering Ali Osman: Composer, academic and conductor of Egypt’s Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra
Egypt’s music scene lost Ali Osman, Sudanese composer, conductor, educator and a man whose work with Al Nour Wal Amal, … More
When two choirs perform together: Egypt and Jordan musical connection
Egypt’s Cairo Celebration Choir and Jordan’s Dozan Wa Awtar performed together, in Cairo on 3 February and in Alexandria on … More
Obituary: Nehad Selaiha, theatre activist, scholar, godmother
On 6 January, the Egyptian culture scene lost Nehad Selaiha: a bilingual scholar, translator, historian, writer and critic with a … More
When the going gets tough: On challenges that 2016 brought upon Egypt’s cultural scene
In 2016, Egypt saw many economic and legal changes that impacted arts and culture scene. The cultural players will now … More
Uncovering the face of faceless art: On Egypt’s graffiti artist Keizer, the ant and the city
With the ant being his mascot, or logo, Keizer’s large body of work includes thematic content that ranges from political … More
Radames of Orleans: Egypt’s tenor Georges Wanis talks about Aida, international career, passions
Georges Wanis will sing opera Aida in Orleans in March. This is one of the many international commitments of the … More
Wholesome brass: El-Nafikha band introduces a new recipe to Egypt’s music fans
In a short time, a unique flavour of El Nafikha brass quintet has generated interest, appreciation of every generation of … More
Birds of Upper Egypt: Children choir sings in Cairo
On 20 June, Children Choir operating under the Association of Upper Egypt for Education and Development performed at Talaat Harb … More
INTERVIEW: Cairo Opera Ballet’s artistic director on busy season, performances in Bahrain
Artistic Director Erminia Kamel talks about the Cairo Opera Ballet’s Company busy season prior to their yet another international appearance … More
Irresistible warning sign ‘Do not touch’ opens Egypt’s Hakawy Festival for children
On 4 March, a performance Aga Boom by the Theatre of Physical Comedy from the United States opened the Hakawy … More
INTERVIEW: Perfectionism – introducing Egypt’s most recent opera star
When Fatma Said was announced the winner of eighth Veronica Dunne International Opera Competition in Dublin, Ireland, the news spread … More
Passion calling
Tango, the dance of passion, remains one of the most visually attractive performance art forms which celebrates the body in … More
The interpretation of dreams
Staged at the Cairo Opera House Main Hall on 27 and 28 January, A Sculptor’s Dream, directed and choreographed by … More
‘Egypt is within me’: Prima ballerina Magda Saleh on her career and the gilded years
Renowned ballerina, a graduate of the Bolshoi ballet academy and Cairo’s Academy of Arts, former dean of the Higher Institute … More
The devil is in the expectations: Spanish coffeehouse presented at the Cairo Opera
Between 5 and 8 January, the Cairo Opera House staged a performance inspired by the famed Spanish coffeehouse Café Gijón … More
Confronting fear: how year 2015 brought Egypt’s audiences closer to classical music
Belief ‘you are not expected to like everything,’ seemed to be at the heart of approach to the audiences in … More
Against all odds: Stories of the visually impaired women from Egypt’s Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra
Girls and women from Egypt’s unique Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra talk about their lives, joys and challenges embedded in … More
Coppélia ballet premieres in Egypt: A dash of magic and lots of art
A magical tale, Coppélia was performed by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, attracting whole families to the Opera House in … More
Egyptian fishing village gets a vibrant makeover from local and international artists
In two weeks time, a group of artists painted the walls and boats of Borg El-Borollos, a small fishing town … More
‘It’s a story of hope’: Egypt’s filmmaker on his rockumentary about Les Petits Chats
Young director Sherif Nakhla revives Egypt’s golden years through the rockumetary on the well-known band of the time, Les Petits … More
INTERVIEW: Ragaa Eldin: An Egyptian tenor finding his voice in Europe
A talk with the young tenor Ragaa Eldin about his path to success, international recognition, and the many shunned operatic talents … More
Not so spectacular: Cairo Opera’s Moulin Rouge
Performed at the main hall of the Cairo Opera House last week, the Egyptian take on iconic Moulin Rouge musical … More
Cats, children and strings: Awtar Quartet visits Cairo’s poor neighborhood
Awtar Quartet brought music and storytelling to Artellewa arts centre and Tawasol School in Stabl Antar, both located at the … More
INTERVIEW: Basma El-Husseiny, from Culture Resource to Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Cultural activist Basma El-Husseiny talks about the now Beirut-based Culture Resource, the reason behind suspending its activities in Egypt, the … More
‘No one really knows Cairo – it’s too big’: Mapping Ramadan 2015 music scene
This year Ramadan comes with an abundance of music filling many Cairo stages, providing a lively refreshment to the hot … More
On Cairo Opera Company’s brave foray with Verdi’s Il Trovatore
Staged earlier this month, Verdi’s Il Trovatore was a much needed refreshment for Egypt’s audiences and an opportunity to bring … More
INTERVIEW: Elena Dzamashvili: If I’m born ten times, each time I’ll be a pianist
A visit to a Chopin’s disciple, Georgian pianist Elena Dzamashvili, in her little haven in Cairo The room is small … More
Bound for Carnegie Hall
Mohamed Shams is among the brightest stars of his generation. The pianist played recently at the Cairo Opera House and … More
Dundu: A giant German puppet visits Egypt
Year 2015 saw a particularly original opening when a large puppet called Dundu walked the streets of Cairo and Fayoum, … More
Bluebirds’ serenade: On singing out of tune
The easiest natural thing to some, a completely impossible feat to others, the ability to sing in tune requires musical … More
Generation of the greats: Egypt’s artists and intellectuals we lost in 2014
2014 left many voids in Egypt’s cultural landscape, as numerous artists and writers passed away, joining dozens of others we’ve … More
All you need to know about Chopin Piano Competition Egypt
Underscoring Egypt’s contribution to the Chopin piano tradition, the recently held competition is an opportunity to review skills of the … More
Egypt’s Firebird premiere: Risky experiment
Between 28 and 30 October, the Cairo Opera Ballet Company staged Danses qu’on croise and Egypt’s premiere of Stravinsky’s Firebird. … More
Homo Sonantis: on the Cairo Opera new audiences’ behavioral problems
The below par behavior of the New Audience flocking to the Cairo Opera has become a serious issue which can … More
Creative progression: on development of arts festivals in Egypt, 2011-2014
Exceptional profusion of artistic festivals in the first months of 2014, points to a new reality we cannot overlook and … More
2nd edition of India by the Nile adds cultural depth to Egypt
Taking place between 1 and 20 April, the second edition of India by the Nile will present a plethora of … More
Hakawy: Nurturing children with valuable theatre and arts
One of AFCA’s biggest projects, the Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children, is a hope that the Egyptian children will … More
Hakawy Festival for children kicks off with a bang
Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children opened Wednesday, 12 March, with captivating performances by Egypt’s Al-Darb Al-Ahmar Art School and … More
Return of ballet Spartacus to the Cairo Opera House raises questions
The decision to cut parts of Spartacus showed a lack of understanding of what audiences appreciate in the ballet Published … More
Theatre festival for children to brighten Cairo’s art and culture scene
Between 12 and 18 March, Hanager Arts Centre will hold the Hakawy children’s theatre festival. Ahram Online talks to Mohamed … More
Dancers become choreographers during the newly launched festival
On 6 and 7 March, the main stage of the Cairo Opera House will launch Abdel Moneim Kamel Young Choreographers … More
‘Spartacus’ back at Cairo Opera House after 4-year absence
Artistic director of the Cairo Opera Ballet Company Erminia Kamel talks with Ahram Online about the re-staging of the ballet … More
‘Arts Management is not magic’: Brett Egan from DeVos Institute
During his short visit in Cairo, Brett Egan, director of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the John F. … More
Mirette Hanna: An inspiring soirée with a passionate young pianist
Mirette Hanna, winner of the Absolute First Prize at the Roma International Piano Competition, speaks of her unraveling journey as … More
Conductors face legal action over protests against Brotherhood influence
Nayer Nagui and Hisham Gabr are being investigated for causing the Cairo Opera House financial losses, after leading strikes in … More
Quatuor Voce: French string quartet visits Cairo
As part of its regular activities dedicated to presenting different music genres to its audience, on Wednesday 30 October, the … More
Fikry: Inspiration for Al-Nour Wal Amal blind musicians’ orchestra
Amal Fikry is the driving force behind the organisation’s chamber orchestra for visually impaired women, who have traveled the world … More
Ati Metwaly 