From the opening concert by Mohamed Mounir on 1 November, the 28th edition of the Arab Music Festival continues to draw a large number of music lovers to the Cairo Opera House and other venues operating under its wings: the Arab Music Institute, El-Gomhoreya Theatre, the Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) and the Damanhour Opera House.

The festival's 12 days host a total of 92 artists from seven Arab countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, and Oman).

The first half of the festival has already featured numerous renowned singers and other musicians.

On 2 November, Nadia Mostafa took the audience of Cairo on the journey through folk music with an ensemble conducted by Farouk El-Babli. The same day, Iraqi qanun player Furat Kaddouri, followed by Mai Hassan and Walid Haidar graced the stage of the Alexandria Opera House, while Damanhour showcased the Moroccan artist Fouad Zabadi, accompanied by the Hefni Ensemble led by Hisham Nabawi, followed by Ghada Adam and Lebanese violinist Jihad Akl.

Among the renowned names performing on 3 November were Lebanese star Marouan Khoury, who performed with an orchestra led by Mustafa Helmy (Cairo). The opera's main hall also witnessed concerts by Mai Farouk and Jordanian guitarist Wahid.

Also in Cairo, the audience of the Arabic Music Institute attended a performance presenting Omani folk music presented by the Omani Royal Ensemble for Folkloric Music.

Alexandria witnessed a concert by Moroccan artist Fouad Zabadi accompanied by the Hefny Ensemble led by Maestro Hisham Nabawi and featuring Lebanese violinist Jihad Akl and singer Hasnaa. In Damanhour, Nadia Moustafa, accompanied by Arab Music Heritage Ensemble led by Farouk El Bably, took the stage prior to the concerts by Hanan Essam, Angham Mostafa, Ahmed Ibrahim, Ahmed Sabry and Mohy Salah.

Mohamed El-Helw, accompanied by the Hefny Ensemble led by Hisham Nabawi, and Iraqi qanoun player Furat Kaddouri were among the stars of 4 November.

The same day included a concert by singer Ibrahim Farouk and his ensemble Angham Al-Sharq, presenting a selection of the most important and famous works of Arab music on the stage of the Arabic Music Institute.

Famed Egyptian singer Hani Shaker took the stage of the Cairo Opera House on 5 November. Beloved by the audiences in Egypt and regionally, Shaker was among many who performed on that day.

To name but a few, the Institute hosted Mahmoud Darwish and his ensemble, performing the famous Arabic music repertoire with the participation of both Israa Adel and Heba Salem.

As the Arab Music Festival continues, we are set to witness more renowned names from Egypt and the Arab world to present their talents to the audiences.

On 6 November, the audience is invited to attend a concert by Angham (Egypt) accompanied by an orchestra under the baton of Hani Farahat at the Cairo Opera's main hall. The same day includes Reem Kamal performing at the Arabic Music Institute and Mohamed El-Helw at the Damanhour Opera House.

In addition to 81 singers, the festival also features 11 soloists all of whom have either already enchanted the audience or are yet to present their repertoire within the festival's second half.

The 28th Arab Music Festival takes place between 1 and 12 November.

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