On Sunday 29 July, the Cairo Opera House’s open-air theatre hosted its first Ramadan Evenings event with the renowned Iraqi … More
Category: It’s all about Art
British Grafitti artist Banksy in Olympics controversy
Graffiti artist Banksy produces two Olympic-themed works that challenge the glorified image of the world’s premier sporting event. Published in … More
Collegiate talents: Yale Whiffenpoofs in Cairo
The Yale Whiffenpoofs gave a concert at the Cairo Opera House’s open air theatre on Monday 16 July. Their performance … More
Cirque du Soleil faces criticism prior to performances in Israel
Tadamon, a Montreal-based collective, issue an open letter asking Cirque du Soleil to cancel performances planned for August in Tel … More
Notion of freedom knocks on Beiteddine Palace’s door
Calligraphy, or the art of beautiful writing, might seem like an obsolete concept—and Arabic calligraphy would have died out long … More
Marvels of Lebanon’s Chouf: Caracalla Dance Theatre at Beiteddine Art Festival
The 27th Beiteddine Art Festival kicked off on 28 June with Kan Ya Ma Kan (Once Upon a Time), a … More
Fiesta of Song: American Idol finalists perform in Cairo
Part of the Summer Festival, on 6 July, six American Idol finalists joined three Egyptian singers from the Sing Egyptian … More
New mosaics at Cairo’s Faculty of Fine Arts
Students contemplate the future of art in Egypt as they wait for their graduation projects to be marked at the … More
Beethoven strikes again
On Saturday 16 June, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ahmed El Saedi performed two great works: Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade … More
‘Art should not be reserved for the elite’: Nora Jumblatt on the Beiteddine Art Festival
On 28 June, the Beiteddine Art Festival opens with a performance by Caracalla Dance Theatre troupe. Ahram Online spoke to … More
The quiet passion of photographer Sherif Sonbol graces Warsaw gallery
Situated in the heart of Warsaw, Smolna Gallery hosts an exhibition of works by Sherif Sonbol, a contributor to Ahram … More
A universal rhapsody: Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh performs in Cairo
On 7 June, Syrian clarinetist, Kinan Azmeh and the City Band invited the audience to a large palette of musical … More
Waiting for Godunov: On the role of artists in times of political change
Hearing about a stir provoked by Boris Godunov on the stage of Mariinsky Theatre, it is hard not to draw … More
‘When I hear music, I start seeing it in my mind’ says choreographer Russillo
New York-born, Paris-based, international choreographer Joseph Russillo, talks to Ahram Online about his career, how music inspires his choreography and … More
Warda: The Algerian Rose’s legacy will live on
News of the death of one of the Arab world’s most moving singers, Warda, aka Warda al Jazairia (The Algerian … More
Contemporary Music Days: Unique in exploring contemporary music
After launching last year, ‘Contemporary Music Days’ returns 19-25 May with a wider and more dynamic programme Published in Ahram … More
Humbled by Music: Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra
On Sunday 6 May, the Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra performed an impressive programme at Teatru Manoel in Valletta, Malta. … More
An Artist’s Responsibility — Mohamed Abla: from the family to the nation
On 10 May 2012, a newly launched exhibition hall ARTSPACE London, a branch of ARTSPACE Gallery Dubai, opens its doors … More
Soiree Francaise with the Cairo Opera Orchestra
On 19 April, Cairo Opera Orchestra conducted by Dominique Rouits and a number of soloists performed works by the French … More
‘When you believe in what you’re doing, doors open,’ says pianist and arts manager Ahmed Abou-Zahra
Ahmed Abou-Zahra is one of Egypt’s most unique talents in the arts, being both an accomplished master pianist and a … More
Picasso’s engravings anger Russian clergy
‘The Temptations’, an exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s engravings that opened recently in Novosibirsk, provoked controversy and angered the Russian Orthodox … More
Rasputin performance to showcase creative skills of young ballet dancers
On 18 April, dancers form the Cairo Opera Ballet Company will perform ballet Rasputin. Directed by Hany Hassan, the ballet … More
‘Sing Egyptian Women’: Popping the rules
A women’s empowerment programme that wrapped up on 5 April discovered several talented Egyptian singers despite a number of serious … More
“I am not political,” Nermine Hammam comments on a decade-long body of her work
Prior to the opening of her exhibition Anachrony on 27 March at Safar Khan Gallery in Zamalek, Ahram Online explores … More
Hip Hop with Rennie Harris Puremovement: The brothers at the Opera
Rennie Harris Puremovement, a hip hop dance company from the US, took Cairo’s Opera House by storm on Thursday 15 … More
Restoring Egypt’s Splendor: After the years of mis-management, can Cairo Opera House restore its artistic splendor?
It was funded by Japan, as a result of Hosni Mubarak’s 1983 visit to the country, and was the first … More
I think and I feel
Published in Al Ahram Weekly It was not the first time for Jiri Petrdlik to conduct the Cairo Symphony Orchestra. … More
Procession of giant SCAF characters steals the show in Tahrir Square
Downtown Cairo bubbled with creative energy on Friday, with large personifications of Egypt’s ruling military marching around Tahrir making a … More
From Violence and Barricades to an Open Air Gallery
Not far from Tahrir Square Cairo’s Mohamed Mahmoud Street is an artistic testament to the region’s past and ongoing struggles. … More
Links between drama and democracy stressed at Cairo conference
Scholars discuss the relationship between drama and democracy from Ancient Greece through to the modern day at Cairo University. Published … More
Al-Gezira Club photo exhibition at Hanager puts in question artistic priorities
A photography exhibition by members of Al-Gezira Sporting Club that opened Saturday at Hanager Arts Centre fails excite and begs … More
Africa in search of sustainability
Published in Contemporary Practices Road to the highest artistic podium The brainchild of two French photographers. Françoise Huguier … More
Meet the new chairperson of the Cairo Opera House: Ines Abdel Dayem
When Shaker Abdel Hamid, Egypt’s Minister of Culture announced that Ines Abdel Dayem will be a new chairperson of the … More
Reem Kelani’s journey from occupied territories to occupied Tahrir
Palestinian singer Reem Kelani indulges herself in research on iconic Egyptian music legend, Sayed Darwish Published in Al Ahram Weekly … More
Importance of audience development in music institutions
While the Cairo Opera House suspends all activities until 25 February, it is about time to raise the difficult issue … More
Egypt’s new music scene: A revolutionary audit
Published in Al Ahram Weekly and Ahram Online “What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who only has … More
Polish artists respond to Ganzeer’s appeal for ‘Mad Graffiti Week’
When the Egyptian artist Ganzeer called for international artists to support Egypt’s revolution, Polish artists were among the first to … More
One year after martyrdom: Bakir’s exhibition at Hanager provokes reflection
An exhibition by Ziad Bakir – martyr of Egypt’s revolution – displays a remarkable talent and provokes reflection on life’s … More
Egyptian musician Tony Kaldas nominated for 2012 Time for Peace award
Ahram Online takes a look at the career of Tony Kaldas, an Egyptian musician nominated for the prestigious Time for … More
Talent for the times
Published in Al Ahram Weekly On Thursday 29 December, over 20 students of Sobhi Bidair’s took the stage to perform … More
Christmas core
Published on 5 Jan 2012 in Al Ahram Weekly One of the core elements of Christmas around the world is … More
Murat Germen: Photographer of global cityscapes
Photography is on the rise globally and is no longer simply a fascinating art form; it is also an important … More
An isolated Christmas
On 17 December, the Cairo Opera House Main Hall invited the audience to the annual Christmas Concert of the Cairo … More
Christmas with the Nutcracker: Cairo Ballet Still Hopeful
For Christmas, a little girl named Clara receives a mechanical doll. Since there is always something mysterious about Christmas, her … More
East-west bonanza
On 7 and 8 December, the Cairo Opera Ballet Company presented Ballet Lorkiana with El Leila El Kebira at the … More
Music helps babies, toddlers and kids excel
Kindermusik is a world-renowned music education programme to develop babies and toddlers; Ahram Online visits an official representative of Kindermusik … More
Tunisia’s creative documents
From protagonists and documentarians, today, Tunisian photographers – and other artists – went on to becoming commentators on the unfolding … More
Africa through the lens
A rich source of reflection and an important wake-up call: Ati Metwaly reports from the 9th Rencontres de Bamako photography … More
A dose of Mozart
One-act operas, especially when they are by Mozart, add immeasurably to any opera company’s repertoire. Published on 3 November 2011 … More
Meet the Cairo Opera Orchestra’s new artistic director
With the opening of its new season, the Cairo Opera House announced the appointment of Nayer Nagui as principal conductor … More
Malek Jandali on art and freedom in Syria
Syrian pianist and composer talks to Ahram Online about the role of artists in his country’s fight for democracy and … More
A matter of fulfilment
Kodaly: Dances of Galanta for orchestra; Szymanowski: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 Op. 35; Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 … More
Harpsichord and Baroque violin in Cairo
Ahram Online talks to Estonian musician Saale Fischer about the chance discovery of a harpsichord in a Cairo church Published … More
Egyptian bass-baritone in Virginia Opera’s production of Aida
Ashraf Sewailam’s road to operatic stages throughout the US is inspiring for many Egyptian singers. The renowned bass-baritone talks to … More
A spoonful of arias opens the Cairo Opera Company new season
Cairo Opera Company opened new season with a bunch of famous scenes from the best-known world operas Published on Thursday … More
Successful opening of ‘A Child’s View From Gaza’ exhibition despite efforts to supress it
Pro-Israel groups fail to force cancellation of Palestinian children’s art exhibition. Published in Ahram Online The Middle East Children’s Alliance … More
The perils of youth in the season’s opening of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra
An ecstatic audience filled the hall of the Cairo Opera: regulars thirsty for the classical music of which they had … More
Egyptian musicians and bands in top 20 of Makshoof Music
Cairokee, Massar Egbari, SimpleXity, Hani Mustafa, are among many artists who made it to the current top 20 of Makshoof … More
A thousand maps without an apparent direction
Though an ambitious and fresh exhibition, Ashraf Ibrahim’s display at the Palace of Arts leaves many questions unanswered Published on … More
Seasonal concerns
The Cairo Symphony Orchestra has only announced the first four concerts of the new season so the audience still awaits … More
Indian Rock and Mood by Susheela Raman closes international concert series
Susheela Raman talks about the origins of her Indian-inspired rock and mood music, whose concert marked the finale of the … More
Sacred voices
At the Hayy Festival, Ati Metwaly joins in the invocations Published on 25 August 2011 in Al Ahram Weekly The … More
Karima Nayt: Algerian singer and dancer recalls the start of her career in Egypt
Karima Nayt is no stranger to Egypt’s music and dance scene. Before the expected release of her 2011 CD with … More
Talaat Zein (1955-2011) A song to remember
The Egyptian singer and actor passed away in Cairo on Sunday 14 August 2011, after a battle with lung cancer. … More
Afropop Worldwide prepares a musical portrait of Egypt
During their one-month stay in Egypt, Afropop Worldwide, collected a large amount of data for four radio episodes on Egypt’s … More
Bridge: A story of an Egyptian artist at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Ahram Online speaks with the co-curator and artist of Bridge, a comment on Egyptian society by an Egyptian artist exhibited … More
Great kick-off for Ramadan international concert series at El Genaina Theatre
Ara Musa Honra, a Spanish-based band with an eclectic resource of Funk, Reggae, Flamenco and Latin music, kicked off the … More
A midsummer night’s fracas
Ati Metwaly assesses the seasonal fever Published on 4 August 2011 in Al Ahram Weekly In many corners of the … More
Carlos Latuff gives a voice to the oppressed with his art
Ahram Online talks to the Brazilian cartoonist Carlos Latuff, reflecting on Egypt’s revolution and the Arab Spring shaking the whole … More
Gems in dust
Enjoying the breeze at the Citadel Summer Festival… almost Published on 28 July 2011 in Al Ahram Weekly Despite the … More
Red Sea resort lit up by art
In the midst of tourist attractions and commercial outlets, Safarkhan Gallery provides a breeze of real art to the shores … More
Variety of artistic testimonies mark Khan al Maghraby’s season finale
‘In the Frame’ -a collective exhibition on display at Khan Al Maghraby gallery is a meeting of Egyptian artists of … More
Homage to the Pyramids
Pyramids and the Revolution is a new adaptation of Maurice Bejart’s ballet Pyramide – El Nour. The new production, performed … More
Fiddlers from heaven: Suzuki violin student concert
On Monday 4 July, the Cairo Opera House Open Air Theatre invites audiences to one of the most beautiful concerts … More
GUIDE: Ahram Online recommends music education in Cairo
During the summer holiday, consider the benefits of musical training on personal development and the upcoming school year Published on … More
Czech music to celebrate Velvet and Egypt revolutions
On Saturday, 25 June, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra will perform music by Smetana, the historic Czech composer, while recalling the … More
Egyptian Arts Centennial: From Cairo to Alexandria
‘Egyptian Arts Centennial’, directed by Walid Aouni, recaptured a hundred years of Egyptian contemporary art at the Cairo Opera House … More
A delicate balance (2/2)
Cairo Opera House Main Hall, 11 June; Sergey Rachmaninov: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D minor, Op. … More
A delicate balance (1/2)
Cairo Opera House Main Hall, 11 June; Sergey Rachmaninov: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D minor, Op. … More
Art: A ray of forgotten sun in Egypt’s schools
The student art exhibition at the British International School in Cairo offers inspiring hope that art education is not completely … More
Dust of tension
Cairo Opera House Main Hall, 4 June; Mozart: Overture to Idomeneo re di Creda, K. 366, Danzi: Sinfonia concertante for … More
Venice Biennale exhibits Egyptian artist, Ahmed Bassiouny’s visual arts project
The Venice Biennale exhibits 30 Days of Running in Place, a visual arts project by Ahmed Bassiouny, an Egyptian professor … More
Passion and fantasy
Cairo Opera House Main Hall, 28 May; Edward Elgar: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor, Op 85; Nikolai … More
Experiment
Ewart Hall, 18 May, Schubert Mass in G, Cairo Choral Society, Cairo Festival Orchestra, Amira Reda (soprano), Matthew Hendrick (tenor), … More
The Whole World is a Circus
Acrobats, clowns, jugglers, and trained animals are the subjects of John Perkins’ photography exhibition but instead of the excitement and … More
Tarek Ali Hassan: That rare whiff of true renaissance
A medical doctor, musician, philosopher, writer, poet and painter, Tarek Ali Hassan describes himself simply as ‘somebody who loves human … More
Heir apparent
The period 28 April-3 May saw the first roundof the Cairo Contemporary Music Days (CCMD) festival, organised by the European-Egyptian … More
Sherif El Razzaz taps into the voice of contemporary music
Ahram Online talks to the man attempting to revive contemporary music in Cairo’s classical music scene and its relevance to … More
Ati Metwaly 