Amal Maher, Star of the Opening of  the 33rd Edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference

16 October 2025

Under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture, the Cairo Opera House, under the supervision of Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, will inaugurate the 33rd edition of the Arab Music Festival and Conference. The opening night will take place at the Fountain Theater on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at 9 p.m., in the presence of Maestro Dr. Mohamed El-Mougy, Deputy Director of the Festival.

This year, the festival celebrates the legacy of Umm Kulthum, who has been chosen as the Personality of the Festival, marking 50 years since her passing.

The opening ceremony will begin with the national anthem, followed by speeches from the Minister of Culture, the Chairman of the Cairo Opera House, and the Festival’s Deputy Director. During the event, ten distinguished figures who have significantly contributed to the artistic and musical life of Egypt and the Arab world will be honored.

Renowned Egyptian singer Amal Maher will also receive her award and headline the opening concert, conducted by Maestro Tamer Fayzi. Her performance will feature a rich repertoire of classic Arabic music masterpieces from the golden age, along with some of her most celebrated songs.

The concert is directed by Mahdy El-Sayed, and will include a documentary film about the life and career of “ Star of the East” Umm Kulthum, directed by Samer Mady.

In parallel events, Moroccan star Fouad Zabadi will perform with Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Music and Arab Singing, conducted by Maestro Hesham Nabawi, at Alexandria Opera House “Sayed Darwish Theatre”.

Meanwhile, the Heritage Arab Music Ensemble, under the baton of Maestro Farouk El-Bably, will present a special concert featuring leading stars of Arab music at the Arab Music Institute.