The Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem and the Head of the Opera House inaugurated the 29th Arab Music Festival and Conference.
Both honored 12 figures of the icons of singing, including the artist Helmy Bakr, Mohamed Sultan and Jamal Salama.
On her part, Abdel Dayem stated that the 29th Arab Music Festival and Conference confirms the ability and determination to face and overcome challenges and highlights Egypt's civilized image.
The works of Helmy Bakr, Mohamed Sultan and Gamal Salama are performed by the voices of the opera stars in the opening of the 29th Arab Music Festival and Conference.
For the first time, on the new Fountain Theater- which has attracted great attention for its innovative design and dazzling décor, Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, Minister of Culture, and Dr. Magdy Saber, head of the Opera House launched today the activities of the 29th Arab Music Festival and Conference in its special edition.
The activities included 10 consecutive days at the various opera theaters in Cairo: Al-Fountain, Al-small theater-Al-Gomhoria, the Institute of Arab Music - and in Alexandria and Damanhour Opera Theater.
The festival is managed by Artist Jihan Morsi, it includes the presentation of 29 concerts with the participation of 93 artists from 5 Arab countries, namely: Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Tunisia.
The ceremony was attended by an array of ambassadors, ministers, artists and public figures.
During the inauguration, Abdel Dayem said that music is one of the most sublime tools of purifying the soul and developing awareness to confront intolerance in its various forms.
Abdel Dayem indicated that art and creativity are a unique method for correcting and purging behaviours and for promoting public taste.
Abdel Dayem added that, for 28 years, the Arab Music Festival and Conference remains as one of the elements of the cultural system to defend our identity and preserve our artistic heritage as a model of Egypt's soft power.
The festival played a prominent role in returning musical and lyrical works to the spotlight and in restoring and refreshing the memories of the valuable arts, transmitting it to the world.
She explained that it is necessary to continue delivering the sublime message of arts to achieve enlightenment and development.
The 29th edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference is held this year under exceptional circumstances of coronavirus with its effects on the whole life all over the world. This confirms the nation's ability and determination to face and overcome challenges and to transmit a civilized image about Egypt and its people.
Furthermore, the minister saluted the name of the late Dr. Al-Hefni- the founder of this brilliant Festival and the everlasting icon of Arabic music.
The minister also thanked all Egyptian and Arab artists and researchers- who were keen to participate in the events -Dr. Magdy Saber, head of the opera house and its staff who exerted huge efforts to organize this edition.
The minister concluded her speech by saying "Long Live Egypt."
Moreover, the minister honored 12 figures of the members of “ The Friends Ensemble”, namely:- the late musician Ammar Al-Shari’i, Dr. Mona Abdel-Ghani, the singer Alaa Abdel-Khaleq, the singer Hanan, stringed player Yahya Mahdi, violinist Dr. Mohamed Al-Qutb. Violinist Dr. Mahmoud Othman, flute player Dr. Muhammad Abdel Nabi, researcher Dr. Magda Abdel Sami, great singer Maher Al-Attar and his son Ahmed, Arabic calligraphy artist Mustafa Omari, great poet Bakhit Bayoumi - who recited a distinguished poem on the occasion of his honor.
In addition, the minister honored the great musicians - in a loyal touch to confirm their effective role in enriching the field of Arab music, namely: Helmy Bakr, Mohamed Sultan and Dr. Jamal Salama.
It is noteworthy that the Fountain Theater was designed with a circular shape, with a huge screen in its background.
The opening ceremony was directed by Mahdi Al-Sayed and presented by the broadcaster Jasmine Taha Zaki.
The ceremony included presentation of scenes from the memories of the singing works, it was held with total commitment to the precautionary measures.
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