The Egyptian Opera House held a press conference to announce details of the 33rd edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference, which chose Umm Kulthum as its figure in celebration of the 50th anniversary of her passing.

The conference was attended by Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, Chairman of the Opera House and Festival, Maestro Dr. Mohamed El Mogy, Deputy Director of the Festival, Dr. Sherine Abdel Latif, Head of the Scientific Committee, Ms. Amani Al-Saeed, Head of the Central Administration of Arabic Music, poet Gamal Bakhit, media personality Jasmine Taha, Dr. Emad Ashour, Maestro Ahmed Amer, Maestro Dr. Mostafa Helmy, and Maestro Ahmed Atef. The festival activities will continue for 10 consecutive days from October 16 to 25, featuring 41 musical and singing concerts with the participation of 83 artists from Egypt and other Arab countries.

The scientific conference accompanying the festival includes 41 researchers from 15 Arab and foreign countries (Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, USA, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Bahrain, Sudan, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Morocco). It will discuss the topic of Arab music in the digital transformation era through four main themes, alongside a competition with three sections dedicated to young Arab singing, Arabic ensembles, and children’s Arabic singing.

An exhibition of Arabic calligraphy arts by artist Yousry El-Mamlouk will be held from October 16 to 25, alongside a youth calligraphers’ exhibition from October 19 to 22.

During the opening ceremony at the Fountain Theatre, the Minister of Culture and the Chairman of the Opera House will honor 11 figures who have enriched the artistic life in Egypt and the Arab world, including artists, poets, instrumentalists, and musicians.

The opening event includes a film about the life journey of Umm Kulthum, directed by Samer Madi, and a musical performance by star Amal Maher accompanied by the orchestra led by Maestro Tamer Fayzi.