The 34th Arab Music Festival kicks of at the Main Hall
20 October 2026
Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, inaugurated the 34th Arab Music Festival and Conference at the Cairo Opera House .
This edition is dedicated to the memory of the late "Prince of Arab Song," Hany Shaker, and is organized by the Cairo Opera House, supervision of Dr. Reda El-Wakil.
In his speech, Dr. Qansowa highlighted the deep cultural importance of Arab music and paid tribute to the festival's founder, the late Dr. Ratiba El-Hefny. He also thanked the Cairo Opera House staff, artists, and researchers, wishing for a successful and inspiring edition before honoring Hany Shaker's legacy.
Dr. Reda El-Wakil and Festival Director Maestro Mohamed El-Mougy expressed their appreciation for the participating musicians from Egypt and the Arab world, emphasizing how the festival preserves Arab heritage and strengthens cultural unity.
The opening ceremony, presented by Jasmine Taha Zaki and directed by Mahdy El-Sayed, began with the national anthem. It featured two documentary films about Egyptian art legends and Hany Shaker, followed by a new song dedicated to Hany Shaker titled "Feeh Nas TeGheeb" performed by Neveen Ragab, written by Abdallah Hassan, and composed by Sherif Hamdan).
The evening concluded with musical performances celebrating Hany Shaker's music, featuring the musical ensemble led by Maestro Ahmed Atef, along with special performances by stars Anoushka and Nadia Mostafa.
