During the historical extraordinary “Pharaohs Golden Parade,” the accompanying symphony has breathtakingly attracted the whole world with their professional, magnificent performance and Ancient Egyptian lyrical segment. Two of the prominent Union Philharmonic Orchestra members have caught the eyes of international media and social media users: Timpanist Radwa El-Behery , and Snare drummer, Duf player Reem El-Behery . SEE News has interviewed El-Beherys about their participation at the event, and their musical career.
Radwa El-Behery
A professional, skilled Timpanist and Drum section leader Radwa El-Behery has earned the world’s attraction, and appreciation due to her outstanding, unforgettable performance.
El-Behery told SEE News: “Conductor Nader Abbassi recommended me to join the project. He always believes in me and supports me. I worked with him for long years, since he carried the responsibility of directing the Cairo Opera Orchestra. Furthermore, he named me “The Hero of the Orchestra” (Asad El Orchestra).”
Regarding performing at the event in the presence of President Abdel Fattah Sisi, the artist described: “It was a great honor to perform in the presence of President Sisi, it was a huge responsibility. The event was historical, a grand one, in addition, we were witnessing the transportation of 22 Egyptian kings and queens. The whole world was watching us, we were writing history. It was the first time for an orchestra to perform in a royal parade!”
She continued: “The whole event was perfectly presented. The music was thoroughly and accurately composed to be accepted by the whole audience. Classical music was presented harmoniously and arranged impressively.”
“Composer Hesham Nazih did notable symphony, it enriched the experience of the parade, and it harmoniously combined the sound of Ancient Egyptian music, it is the beauty of a well-written symphony,” the musician described.
“Moreover, Ahmed El Moughy, the arranger of the symphony, did a professional job in giving each sound its proper tune, its proper presence to create such an extraordinary composition,” she added.
“We started our training for the performance last December, in addition, they were various forms of the rehearsals,” she underlined.
Next, she expressed her feelings after her performance went viral on social media. “I expected that the orchestra will be praised alongside the event, however, I never expected the feedback I received,” El Behery revealed.
“This event is a victory for us after long years of hardworking, studying, performing, and training. We did it!” the musician asserted.
After that, she expressed her personal feelings towards the event, and sharing the stage with her sister, Reem, “Timpani reflects a great part of my character. It symbolizes the meaning of commitment, responsibility, and leadership. I learned those values from my mother who is a professor at the Academy of Arts.”
“Sharing the stage with my younger sister was challenging, my concerns, worries, responsibilities have been doubled. I was proud, impressed, and over the moon. We used to support each other, and share our experiences together.”
Finally, the Timpanist wished that this symphony could be a beginning for improving the general artistic and musical taste of the audience.
“Culture Minister Dr. Enas Abdel Dayem and the Director of Cairo Opera House Dr. Magdy Saber supported us and gifted Cairo Opera Orchestra, and Cairo Symphony Orchestra the chance of regular performances. However, we need more support from the media,” she said.
Reem El Behery
Skilled, and attractive Snare Drummer and Duf player Reem El Behery was one of those who symbolized the historically portrayed Duf players on the Ancient Egyptians temples’ walls. The scene of the chanting and praying to Isis accompanied by the sounds of Duf enhanced the mood of the experience.
El Behery told SEE News: “I started my career in Cairo Opera Orchestra with Conductor Nader Abbassi. He tought us everything, how to be part of an orchestra. Then, I worked with him in Union Philharmonic Orchestra.”
“Abbassi selected me and my sister Radwa to join the project, he always considered us as his daughters,” she continued.
“The conductor needed eleven Drum section members for the project, he is fully aware of each member’s talent, response, and capability of delivering the proper sound for each instrument,” El-Behery indicated.
Regarding her role in the event, the artist highlighted: “I played two different instruments in the event: Duf, and Snare Drum. We were four Snare drummers, and only the segment in Ancient Egyptian was performed by Duf. But, to be honest, the shots of playing Duf were really impressive.”
About her participation in the concert, she described: “We were concerned. It is a grand worldwide event and it was the first time such an occasion took place. During the concert, we felt that we perform the symphony for the first time.”
“I remember when we received our musical sheets for the first time, Abbassi talked to us about performing in a huge and worldwide event. He motivated us and supported us.”
Finally, El Behery talked about her relationship with her sister Radwa. She said “Radwa and I used to pass through everything together, we are attached to each other. I can’t work or perform unless she is on my side, and on the stage. I always feel that our fates are tied together.”
“We started our career at Conservatoire (The Higher Institute For Music) as Violinists, but, Radwa decided to shift her major discipline and start a new career in Drum section. The moment she made her decision, I joined her in her new journey,” she finalized.
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