One of AFCA’s biggest projects, the Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children, is a hope that the Egyptian children will … More
Category: Ahram Online
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
Sudhir Tailang: Political cartooning in India
Prior to his visit to Egypt in April 2014, in his home in Delhi, Sudhir Tailang, renowned Indian cartoonist talks … More
Urvashi Butalia: The feminist who redrew India’s publishing map
At India’s Jaipur Literature Festival, Ahram Online speaks to Urvashi Butalia ahead of her Egypt visit in April of the … 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
Quartet: The bittersweet truths of performing artists
Screened during the 6th Panorama of the European Film, Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut ‘Quartet’ accurately captures the dreams and faded … 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
“Egyptians are very receptive to Indian culture”: director of the Maulana Azad Centre
In an interview with Ahram Online, Azar A.H. Khan, the newly appointed director of the Maulana Azad Centre, discusses the … 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
Amnesty demands disclosure of imprisoned Pussy Riot member’s location
Amnesty International calls on Russia to disclose whereabouts of imprisoned Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, member of punk band Pussy Riot. Published in … More
Remarkable Indian and Egyptian personalities meet at Maulana Azad Centre
Exhibition “Faces and Features” at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture displays an array of cartoons and caricatures of … 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
Cairo Opera House to celebrate Giuseppe Verdi
Opera House to commemorate Verdi’s bicentennial anniversary with a variety of events during 2013-14 season. Published in Ahram Online During … More
Hanaa Abdel Fattah: Always remembered…
Well-known director, actor, theatre critic and professor Hanaa Abdel Fattah passed away one year ago, on 19 October 2012; he … More
Long standing ovations for Al-Nour Wal Amal in Germany
As part of their third visit to Germany, Al-Nour Wal Amal Chamber Orchestra — consisting of blind women musicians — … More
Diverse facets of Mahatma Gandhi in Cairo’s Maulana Azad Centre
‘Spirit of Gandhi in Egypt’ presents posters, caricatures of famous peacemaker in bid to increase cultural cooperation between India and … More
Cairo Opera House: 25 years of Egypt’s cultural history
As the Cairo Opera House celebrates its Silver Jubilee on 10 October, Ahram Online traces the quarter-of-a-century history of this … More
Obituary: The memorable life of Ratiba El-Hefny
Ratiba El-Hefny, a woman who played many roles within the country’s cultural scene, remained active until the last months of … More
Manal Mohei Eldin: The harpist
Winner of State Incentive Award for Arts 2013, Manal Mohei Eldin brings the harp to a wide audience and she … More
Sanduq El-Dunia: Images from Cairo on Copenhagen’s interactive WALL
On 30 August, Sanduq El-Dunia opened in Copenhagen, representing images from Cairo on the award-winning WALL installation. Organisers hope to … More
Denmark’s Superkilen melts dozens of cultures into a single pot
A plethora of ethnicities and cultures all merged in the creation of the award-winning Superkilen Park in Copenhagen, including ingredients … More
Talents Development Centre: Blooming against all odds
The Talents Development Centre at Cairo’s Opera House continues to provide music and ballet education for children and young people … More
Head scarves: inciting dialogue on Copenhagen’s street
Danish artist Katrine May Hansen questions the meanings behind head scarves by juxtaposing Indonesian and Danish cultures in an outdoor … More
Ines Abdel-Dayem returns to the Cairo Opera more dynamic than ever
In May, Ines Abdel-Dayem was fired from the Cairo Opera’s chair; in July she was offered ministerial post which she … More
Egypt artists stage second anti-Morsi march to Tahrir Square
Hundreds of artists march to Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Tuesday to join nationwide demonstrations to demand President Morsi’s ouster. Published … More
Egypt artists stage largest protest march since January 2011 revolution
Artists and intellectuals march in thousands with protesters chanting against Egypt’s embattled President Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood Published in Ahram … More
Artists to bring their touch to Egypt’s 30 June protests
Protesters from Egypt’s culture scene will begin their 30 June protest in front of the culture ministry, banging wooden clogs … More
Egypt’s Cairo Opera House: What’s next?
Following protests and on-stage strikes by the Cairo Opera House artists, many of opera companies returned back to work. Ahram … More
Inside Cairo’s occupied culture ministry, life ‘goes on’ for employees
Ahram Online talks to culture ministry employees who are trying to get on with their work as normal, despite the … More
From opposing culture minister to fighting for Egypt’s ‘identity’
Ongoing protests against culture minister have become a ‘fight for Egypt’s cultural soul and national identity’. Published in Ahram Online … More
Sacked fine arts head El-Meligy ‘not optimistic’ for Egypt’s future
Recently dismissed from his post as head of Fine Arts sector and Central Administration of Exhibitions and Museums, Salah El-Meligy … More
Artists to give performances as occupation of culture ministry continues
As the occupation by artists of the culture ministry moves into day two, a programme of performances, film showing, and … More
Cairo Opera House cancels concert as protests continue against culture minister
Cairo Opera House strike continues as artists protest on stage against newly-appointed Egyptian culture minister and his decisions, despite scheduled … More
Novelist Bahaa Taher resigns from state culture body
Taher resigned in protest at the culture minister’s decision to fire a number of key culture officials in recent days, … More
The show will not go on: Cairo Opera House on strike
After the new culture minister fires the head of the opera house, artists refused to perform Aida on Tuesday, instead … More
New culture minister fires head of Cairo Opera House
A number of senior arts officials have been fired by the new minister, who took office earlier in May. Published … More
Two in one: Musical performances reveal talents of the young
Between 12 and 14 May, the American University in Cairo performed one-act opera The Telephone and highlights from Les Miserables … More
7-year-old Egyptian/Hungarian violinist, Amira captivates audiences
After a long standing ovation, 7-year-old Amira Abouzahra asks innocently if that meant the audience wanted to leave; the half … More
Powerful closing: Odissi dance ends ‘India by the Nile’ festival
Performances of Indian classical dance by a renowned ensemble marked the closing of the brilliantly successful ‘India by the Nile’ … More
Egyptian artists march against Brotherhood-affiliated culture minister
Members of local cultural/intellectual community march from Cairo Opera House to newly-appointed minister’s office to protest alleged ‘Brotherhoodisation’ of Egyptian … More
Heart and soul: Shubha Mudgal brings marvels of India to Cairo
Shubha Mudgal, an iconic musician from India performed on Tuesday 23 April in Cairo and on 25 April in Alexandria. … More
Creative realisations: Dancing to the music of Egyptian composers
Between 26 April and 3 May, the Cairo Opera Ballet Company performs two works to the music of Egyptian composers: … More
Nagada Style: Bollywood at the Cairo Opera House
Bollywood Fusion, part of India by the Nile festival, was a collaboration between artists from Egypt and India. The show … More
Akshara: Indian calligraphy redefined at the Hanager Arts Centre
This remarkable exhibition, running from 15 to 21 April at Cairo’s Hanager Arts Centre, showcases various facets of Indian calligraphy … More
Boghdady and the Wolf: Cairo Symphony Orchestra to perform for children
On Saturday 20 April, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Magdy Boghdady will perform a special concert tailored for children. … More
The life and times of an Arab soprano: Ratiba El-Hefny and The Merry Widow
‘The Merry Widow’ operetta was performed at the Cairo Opera House’s stage last month. Ratiba El-Hefny recalls when she was … More
Peter Rorvik talks on his experience organising arts festivals
During his short visit in Cairo, Ahram Online talks to Peter Rorvik, a jury member at the Luxor African Film … More
Jazz4kids brings music elements to the youngest audience
The Cairo Jazz Festival gives sample of music education with Jazz4kids workshop held at Darb 1718. Published in Ahram Online … More
Gems of Armenia: Cairo’s Arax Choir commemorates Aram Khachaturian
Armenian Community’s Arax Choir conducted by Mihran Ghazelian commemorated the 110th anniversary of composer Aram Khachaturian last Saturday. Published in … More
Our line-up is very big this year: Director of Cairo Jazz Festival
On the eve of the fifth Cairo Jazz Festival (21-23 March), Ahram Online talks to its founder and director Amro … More
Egyptian film dubbed ‘Muslim Brotherhood production’ causes controversy
Short-film ‘Takrir’ by filmmaker and Muslim Brotherhood member Ezz El-Din Dowidar causes media controversy after cancelling film release in Giza’s … More
Requiem for a danseur noble: Abdel-Moneim Kamel
Abdel-Moneim Kamel, a ‘spiritual father of ballet’ in Egypt, passed away in February leaving behind generations of dancers filled with … More
Ibn Battuta show captures richness of Arab cultures
The Bahrain National Theatre staged Ibn Battuta, Prince of Arab Travelers, a musical performance by artists from around the world, … More
A rendezvous with Chopin: Andrei Gavrilov performs in Cairo
On 10 February the historical Manasterly Palace in Cairo hosted Andrei Gavrilov, the world-renowned Russian pianist, who performed Chopin and … More
Polish connection: Lutosławski performed in Cairo
Polish musicians performed a selection of composer/conductor Witold Lutosławski’s works at the Cairo Opera House on Wednesday 6 February. Published … More
Cairo book fair honours Egyptian translator Hanaa Abdel-Fattah
Cairo International Book Fair hosts a seminar honouring Hanaa Abdel-Fattah as a translator, along with his many works in theatre … More
Year of the Snake: Chinese artists perform in Cairo
For three days, between 28 and 30 January, the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House hosted artists from China. … More
Magic Mozart: The Magic Flute at the Cairo Opera House
Between 10 and 14 January, the Cairo Opera Company, the Cairo Opera Orchestra conducted by Nayer Nagui and the Cairo … More
Enana: Dancing along the success path
Enana Dance Theatre that performed in Manama on 28 December is now working on choreography for Ibn Battuta, a show … More
When the music’s over: Ammar Al-Sherei
On Friday 7 December, Ammar Al-Sherei, a man of great musical knowledge and skill, passed away at the age of … More
Qatar Philharmonic announces new music director for 2013/14
Monday 10 December, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra announces Han-Na Chang as Music Director for 2013-2014 season. Published in Ahram Online … More
Egyptian violinist and composer captivates hearts of audiences in Muscat
Yasser Abdel-Rahman performs alongside Budapest Symphony Orchestra at Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman; show will travel to Budapest in … More
Egyptian Sinfonietta: a new ambition of the Egyptian Philharmonic Society
On Sunday 9 December the Egyptian Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra operating under the Egyptian Philharmonic Society (EPS), will give its … More
New film recalls pain of Iraqi people
‘Death Triangle,’ screened at this year’s film festival, which features many human and social messages, has unfortunately been killed by … More
A moveable feast: music life of Paris for all cultures
Paris beats to the rhythm of music, offering a lot of musical treasures, many of which strike a note with … More
The Fifth Season of the Year: when the most unexpected becomes real
The Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House opened its doors on Thursday for the first day of the 35th … More
Hundreds of artists march from Cairo Opera House to Tahrir
Ahram Online follows Morsi opposition march by several hundred artists from outside Cairo Opera House near Qasr El-Nil Bridge to … More
Mystic Love or Yunus Emre Oratorio performed in Egypt
On Saturday 3 November and Sunday 4 November, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra performed Yunus Emre Oratorio, concerts that were the … More
Rossini, Native American or L’inganno felice at the Cairo Opera House
Cairo Opera Company performs Rossini’s one-act opera L’inganno felice, a much needed refreshment for Egyptian audiences. Published in Al Ahram … More
Grassroots Romeo – story of Bahiya according to The Knights of the Orient for Heritage
Between 7 and 10 October, Al-Gomhuriya Theatre hosted Bahiya, a ballet where the axes of traditional Egyptian and contemporary Western … More
Children of the Opera: looking at the past decades of concerts for children in Egypt
Cairo Opera House invites children to a special concert tailored for young audiences on Sunday 7 October Published in Al … More
Missing grandeur: Cairo Symphony Orchestra opens new symphonic season
On Saturday 15 September, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jiri Petrdlik opened its 54th symphonic season. The concert included … More
Aida opens Opera season
The upcoming performances of Verdi’s Aida scheduled for four evenings at the Cairo Opera House remind us of the significance … More
Safe Play: Raising the curtain on the new Opera House season
On 8 September, the Opening Night Gala inaugurated the new artistic season of the Cairo Opera House. The 54th season … More
Silence of the Lambs
The Pussy Riot controversy follows the classical mould of the struggle for freedom of expression, and unveils a typical authoritarian … More
Citadel Festival this year to include mostly Egyptian artists
Starting on 29 August and running until 5 September, the 22nd Citadel Festival for Music and Singing will include many … More
Ilham Al-Madfai opens Ramadan Evenings at the Cairo Opera House
On Sunday 29 July, the Cairo Opera House’s open-air theatre hosted its first Ramadan Evenings event with the renowned Iraqi … More
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
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
Ati Metwaly 