Under the patronage of Dr. Abdel Aziz Kansoua, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, the Egyptian Opera House, led by Dr. Reeda El Wakil, has launched the 34th edition of the Arabic Music Festival. The festival, honoring the late Arab singing legend Hany Shaker, will run from October 20 to 30 and be directed by Maestro Dr. Mohamed El Mougy.
The festival will feature 22 concerts and musical events, with the participation of 70 Egyptian and Arab artists, and 35 research papers to be discussed at the scientific conference. The events will take place at various Opera House venues in Cairo, including the Large Theater, the Institute, and Sayed Darwish Theater, as well as at the Alexandria Opera House and the Small Theater.
The scientific conference, chaired by Dr. Mohamed Shabanah, will discuss the topic "Arabic Music between Academic Criticism and Media Treatment." The conference will be divided into four axes: Arabic music under the academic criticism lens, media treatment as an approach to documentation, pioneering contributions to the media treatment of Arab musical creativity, and the critical impact of academic and media institutions on Arabic music.
The festival will also feature a competition with two sections: one for young Arab singers aged 17-40, named after the late Dr. Ratieba El Hafny, and the other for oud players of the same age group. The competition's final round for singers will take place on October 26, while the oud players' final round will be held on October 25.
Non-Egyptian participants residing in Egypt or holding a valid visa can join the competition for a fee of 1,000 pounds. The competition's winners will receive a total of 90,000 pounds in prizes. The festival has also been named after prominent composers and singers, including Hany Shaker, Blegh Hamdi, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, and others.
The opening ceremony, to be held at the Large Theater, will feature a tribute to several individuals who have contributed to Egypt's and the Arab world's artistic scene, including the late Hany Shaker, poet Reeda Amin, musician Moktار El Sayed, and others. The ceremony will also include a documentary film about Hany Shaker's life and career, as well as performances by several artists.
The 34th Arabic Music Festival and Conference will feature a range of artists, including Nivin Rajab, Nadira Mostafa, Mohamed Tharwat, and Marwa Najy. A total of 13 conductors and 7 orchestras will lead the performances throughout the festival.
Key points
- The festival features 22 concerts across three venues in Cairo and Alexandria.
- The event is directed by Maestro Dr. Mohamed El Mougy and honors the late Arab singing legend Hany Shaker.
- The festival includes a scientific conference and a competition for young Arab singers and oud players.
