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Al-Ahram Weekly
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Conductor Alaa Abdel-Salam appointed Cairo Opera House new chairperson - Music - Arts & Culture
Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno has appointed conductor Alaa Abdel-Salam the new chairperson of the National Cultural Centre (the Cairo Opera House), succeeding Lamia Zayed. Following his appointment on Sunday, Abdel-Salam released his first official statement on Monday through the Ministry of Culture's media channels. In his statement, Abdel-Salam confirmed that the Cairo Opera's upcoming phase will involve implementing a series of initiatives to maintain its distinguished status, which was established in 1988. He emphasized that achieving the social well-being of artists and administrators and encouraging them to exert more effort to continue their contributions are among his priorities. Furthermore, he stressed that the opera doors are open to all intellectuals and artists without discrimination, positioning it as one of Egypt's key institutions of serious creativity. The renowned conductor also expressed his pride in all those who represent contemporary voices of soft power, continuing the legacy of the world's oldest civilizations. Abdel-Salam succeeds Lamia Zayed, who served as the National Cultural Centre (Cairo Opera House) chairperson since February 2024. Who is Abdel-Salam? Abdel-Salam graduated with honours from the Faculty of Music Education at Helwan University in 1996, specializing in the cello, and was appointed an assistant lecturer at the same faculty the same year. He earned his master's degree in 2002 and a PhD in 2007. Then, he became an associate professor in 2014 and a professor in 2022 at the same faculty. Additionally, Abdel-Salam has been a visiting professor at the American University in Cairo since 2022. He has worked with the Cairo Opera House since 1993, when he joined the Youth Orchestra, conducted by Said Awad, as a cellist. Since 1995, he has performed with numerous orchestras, often in concerts featuring renowned Egyptian and Arab singers. In 2005, he was promoted to first cellist at the Arab Music Orchestra, one of the music ensembles under the Cairo Opera House's umbrella. In 2019, Abdel-Salam supervised the production of Sayed Darwish's album of songs, which was released under the auspices of the American University in Cairo to mark the centenary of the 1919 Revolution. Most recently, Abdel-Salam became the principal conductor and artistic director of the Religious Song Ensemble, Cairo Opera's only religious troupe. In 2023, he was appointed the principal conductor of the Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Music and Arab Singing. In early February, Abdel-Salam conducted the Arab Music Orchestra in their performance commemorating the 50th death anniversary of Um Kalthoum at the Paris Philharmonic Hall (Philharmonie de Paris), France. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Conductor Alaa Abdel-Salam appointed Cairo Opera House new chairperson
Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno has appointed conductor Alaa Abdel-Salam the new chairperson of the National Cultural Centre (the Cairo Opera House), succeeding Lamia Zayed. Following his appointment on Sunday, Abdel-Salam released his first official statement on Monday through the Ministry of Culture's media channels. In his statement, Abdel-Salam confirmed that the Cairo Opera's upcoming phase will involve implementing a series of initiatives to maintain its distinguished status, which was established in 1988. He emphasized that achieving the social well-being of artists and administrators and encouraging them to exert more effort to continue their contributions are among his priorities. Furthermore, he stressed that the opera doors are open to all intellectuals and artists without discrimination, positioning it as one of Egypt's key institutions of serious creativity. The renowned conductor also expressed his pride in all those who represent contemporary voices of soft power, continuing the legacy of the world's oldest civilizations. Abdel-Salam succeeds Lamia Zayed, who served as the National Cultural Centre (Cairo Opera House) chairperson since February 2024. Who is Abdel-Salam? Abdel-Salam graduated with honours from the Faculty of Music Education at Helwan University in 1996, specializing in the cello, and was appointed an assistant lecturer at the same faculty the same year. He earned his master's degree in 2002 and a PhD in 2007. Then, he became an associate professor in 2014 and a professor in 2022 at the same faculty. Additionally, Abdel-Salam has been a visiting professor at the American University in Cairo since 2022. He has worked with the Cairo Opera House since 1993, when he joined the Youth Orchestra, conducted by Said Awad, as a cellist. Since 1995, he has performed with numerous orchestras, often in concerts featuring renowned Egyptian and Arab singers. In 2005, he was promoted to first cellist at the Arab Music Orchestra, one of the music ensembles under the Cairo Opera House's umbrella. In 2019, Abdel-Salam supervised the production of Sayed Darwish's album of songs, which was released under the auspices of the American University in Cairo to mark the centenary of the 1919 Revolution. Most recently, Abdel-Salam became the principal conductor and artistic director of the Religious Song Ensemble, Cairo Opera's only religious troupe. In 2023, he was appointed the principal conductor of the Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Music and Arab Singing. In early February, Abdel-Salam conducted the Arab Music Orchestra in their performance commemorating the 50th death anniversary of Um Kalthoum at the Paris Philharmonic Hall (Philharmonie de Paris), France. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
28-01-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Japan Grants USD 1.8 Million to Upgrade Cairo Opera House Facilities
The project is a collaborative effort involving the National Cultural Centre, the Ministry of Culture, and the JICA. Jan 28, 2025 The government of Japan has provided a USD 1.8 million grant to upgrade the Cairo Opera House, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Japan. The funding will be used to modernise the opera house's infrastructure, including enhancements to the main theatre hall and the addition of 20 mobile stage platforms, ensuring the venue remains a leading cultural hub in the region. The project is a collaborative effort involving the National Cultural Centre, the Ministry of Culture, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Japan's support for Egypt dates back to 1954 and includes contributions to significant initiatives such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and other cultural development projects. Over the years, Japan has provided USD 2.4 billion in grants and technical cooperation and more than USD 7.2 billion in developmental funding.
Al-Ahram Weekly
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Japan grants Egypt $1.8 mln to upgrade Cairo Opera House - Economy
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno, and Ambassador of Japan to Egypt Iwai Fumio witnessed the signing of an executive agreement for a $1.8 million grant Japan gave to Egypt to improve the facilities of the National Cultural Centre (the Cairo Opera House). The signing of the agreement coincides with the 70th anniversary of Egyptian-Japanese relations, especially developmental cooperation. The grant aims to enhance the National Cultural Centre's infrastructure by developing devices and equipment, improving services, upgrading the main theatre hall, and providing 20 mobile stage platforms similar to those in opera. This will be achieved through joint efforts between the National Cultural Centre and the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This agreement marks a new milestone in the long-standing partnership with Japan, established in 1954, Minister Al-Mashat said in her speech. Al-Mashat stressed that this partnership has flourished over decades, covering multiple sectors. It is based on mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a firm commitment to sustainable development and cultural dialogue. Japan has also contributed to establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum, a cultural beacon for all countries worldwide. 'The Egyptian-Japanese Cooperation Portfolio highlights this integration between Egypt's Vision 2030 and the government's programme (2024–2027) with Japanese development priorities," the minister highlighted. "Over seven decades, Japan has provided exceptional support to Egypt through developmental cooperation efforts,' she affirmed. Furthermore, Al-Mashat clarified that this agreement will enhance the Egyptian Opera House's operational efficiency while maintaining its role as a beacon for arts, music, thought, and knowledge. It also aims to equip the National Cultural Centre with modern systems, reinforcing its status as the most significant cultural and artistic landmark in the Middle East and Africa. Minister Hanno, for his part, said this project is an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance Egypt's cultural scene and provide an environment that supports creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. He added that the Egyptian Opera House has always been a model for artistic excellence, serving as a platform for local and international artists. He also stated that it symbolizes the deep cultural relations between Egypt and Japan. Hanno explained that the grant will contribute to preserving Egypt's rich cultural heritage while embracing the future with modern tools and technologies that support innovation in the arts. Additionally, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Japanese partners for their contributions and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to fostering a thriving cultural system that celebrates the past and looks to the future with hope and determination. Meanwhile, Japan's ambassador stated that the agreement continues the Japanese government's efforts to develop the Egyptian Opera House and deepen Egyptian-Japanese relations. It also enhances the strategic partnership between the two countries across various development sectors. Kato Kin, a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said the agreement serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. In 1983, Japan granted the Egyptian government funding to rebuild the Egyptian Opera House, and it was completed in 1988. The grants and technical cooperation from the Japanese side amount to approximately $2.4 billion, while developmental funding has exceeded $7.2 billion. Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Japan grants Egypt $1.8 mln for improving Cairo Opera House - Economy
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno, and Ambassador of Japan to Egypt Iwai Fumio witnessed the signing of an executive agreement for a $1.8 million grant Japan gave to Egypt to improve the facilities of the National Cultural Centre (the Cairo Opera House). The signing of the agreement coincides with the 70th anniversary of Egyptian-Japanese relations, especially developmental cooperation. The grant aims to enhance the National Cultural Centre's infrastructure by developing devices and equipment, improving services, upgrading the main theatre hall, and providing 20 mobile stage platforms similar to those in opera. This will be achieved through joint efforts between the National Cultural Centre and the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This agreement marks a new milestone in the long-standing partnership with Japan, established in 1954, Minister Al-Mashat said in her speech. Al-Mashat stressed that this partnership has flourished over decades, covering multiple sectors. It is based on mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a firm commitment to sustainable development and cultural dialogue. Japan has also contributed to establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum, a cultural beacon for all countries worldwide. 'The Egyptian-Japanese Cooperation Portfolio highlights this integration between Egypt's Vision 2030 and the government's programme (2024–2027) with Japanese development priorities," the minister highlighted. "Over seven decades, Japan has provided exceptional support to Egypt through developmental cooperation efforts,' she affirmed. Furthermore, Al-Mashat clarified that this agreement will enhance the Egyptian Opera House's operational efficiency while maintaining its role as a beacon for arts, music, thought, and knowledge. It also aims to equip the National Cultural Centre with modern systems, reinforcing its status as the most significant cultural and artistic landmark in the Middle East and Africa. Minister Hanno, for his part, said this project is an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance Egypt's cultural scene and provide an environment that supports creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. He added that the Egyptian Opera House has always been a model for artistic excellence, serving as a platform for local and international artists. He also stated that it symbolizes the deep cultural relations between Egypt and Japan. Hanno explained that the grant will contribute to preserving Egypt's rich cultural heritage while embracing the future with modern tools and technologies that support innovation in the arts. Additionally, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Japanese partners for their contributions and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to fostering a thriving cultural system that celebrates the past and looks to the future with hope and determination. Meanwhile, Japan's ambassador stated that the agreement continues the Japanese government's efforts to develop the Egyptian Opera House and deepen Egyptian-Japanese relations. It also enhances the strategic partnership between the two countries across various development sectors. Kato Kin, a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said the agreement serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. In 1983, Japan granted the Egyptian government funding to rebuild the Egyptian Opera House, and it was completed in 1988. The grants and technical cooperation from the Japanese side amount to approximately $2.4 billion, while developmental funding has exceeded $7.2 billion. Short link:
