Grapevine

Cairo Opera House hosts grand opening of Arab Music Festival, Conference

Cairo’s vibrant cultural scene is alive with music as the 32nd Arab Music Festival and Conference, a testament to the rich heritage of the Arab world, kicks off on Friday. The event, dedicated to the iconic musician Sayed Darwish, promises to be a captivating journey through the melodious tapestry of Arabic music.

The opening ceremony was a grand affair, graced by a distinguished gathering including Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration; Counselor Mahmoud Fawzi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Political Communication; Inas Abdel Dayem, former Minister of Culture; and Nevine Gamea, former Minister of Trade and Industry. A constellation of ambassadors, artists, and media personalities also graced the occasion.

The festival’s importance was underscored by Ahmed Hanno, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, who emphasised its crucial role in preserving the musical heritage of Egypt and the Arab world. This festival brings us together, unites us, and celebrates our mother tongue, our unique musical and lyrical heritage,” he said.

“We are peoples who speak through music, who compose words, who love singing. Tonight we gather on the land of Egypt, the cradle of the arts, where its people inscribed their musical heritage on the facades of their temples thousands of years ago, and made music an integral part of their daily lives.”

“Arab music is not just sounds and melodies, but a language that penetrates the depths of the soul and conveys feelings, sorrows, and joys,” he added. “Egypt has witnessed throughout the ages the birth of many singers, composers, and musicians who enriched the Arab artistic movement with their creativity. The Arab Music Festival comes to complete the picture and plays a vital role in strengthening identity and protecting authentic musical heritage. Through this festival, we can reclaim our rich heritage, pass it on to future generations, and maintain our authenticity in a world witnessing rapid changes.”