Renowned Egyptian pianist Mirette Hanna has decided to return to her home country to share her passion for music with a new generation of musicians. Born in 1990 in Giza, Hanna began playing piano at a young age and was accepted into the Cairo Conservatory at just seven years old. She has since become an accomplished pianist, performing with orchestras in Egypt and abroad, including the Cairo Opera Orchestra and the Dubai International Music Festival.

Hanna's musical journey has taken her to various parts of the world, including the United States, Finland, and Switzerland. She has studied at prestigious institutions such as the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina, the University of Miami, and the Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève. Her talent has been recognized through numerous awards, including first prizes at the Concours du Conseil suprême de la culture and the Concours international de piano de Rome.

Hanna's teaching experience spans over a decade, with positions at the Cairo Conservatory since 2012 and the Chopin Academy in Seattle since 2021. She is committed to making classical music more accessible to a wider audience, particularly in Egypt. Hanna envisions establishing piano schools and concert halls in various provinces to bridge the cultural gap between Cairo and the rest of the country.

Hanna's love for music is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. She cites the influence of Egyptian writers such as Taha Hussein and her mentor, Marcelle Matta, who taught her to unite the inner voice of an artist with the musical score. Her performances often feature works by Egyptian composers, including Aziz El-Shawan and Gamal Abdel-Rahim.

Currently, Hanna is participating in the first edition of the Advanced Piano Workshop in Egypt's New Capital, which runs until September 25. The workshop aims to bring together pianists and music educators to share knowledge and expertise. Hanna sees this event as an opportunity to connect with her roots and give back to her community.

Hanna's decision to return to Egypt is driven by her desire to live a more authentic life and be closer to her family. She is excited to teach at the Academy of Arts and share her passion for music with a new generation of Egyptian musicians. Her goal is to inspire young people to appreciate the beauty of classical music and its ability to bring people together.

As Hanna embarks on this new chapter in her life, she remains committed to her artistic vision and her mission to make classical music more accessible to all. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and music lovers in Egypt and beyond. With her return, Hanna aims to leave a lasting impact on Egypt's music scene and foster a deeper appreciation for classical music.

Key points

  • Mirette Hanna aims to establish piano schools and concert halls in various Egyptian provinces to make classical music more accessible.
  • Hanna has performed with prominent orchestras and has won several awards for her piano skills.
  • She has taught at the Cairo Conservatory and the Chopin Academy in Seattle, and now plans to teach at the Academy of Arts in Egypt.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.