The opera Aida holds unique thematic and historical importance in Egyptian culture and is one of Egypt's most frequently performed operas. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi with a libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, it is based on a story written by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, who was commissioned by Khedive Ismail Pasha.

Celebrating the opera's strong links to Egypt, the event showcased chosen arias from the opera performed by renowned artists, including Catherine Manandaza, a soprano whose portfolio includes collaborations with numerous orchestras, including the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and the Capitole de Toulouse Orchestra.

The evening also featured mezzo-soprano Camille Giménez and tenor Giorgio Onnis. They were accompanied by Italian pianist Marina Cesarale.

The evening opened with a word by the Academy's director, Rania Yehia, who highlighted the enduring significance of Aida throughout history and extended special thanks to the Egyptian-Italian tenor Giorgio Onnis for his invaluable contributions to the event's success. Yehia concluded her remarks by emphasizing music's universal ability to transcend geographical boundaries and unite humanity.  

The event was attended by Ambassador Inas Mekkawy, representing the Arab League, and representatives of the embassies of Egypt, Algeria, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Libya. A large audience of Italian music aficionados, along with members of the Egyptian and Arab communities in Rome, were also present.  

At the event's conclusion, the Academy honoured the participating artists, and it opened its doors to showcase the Tutankhamun Replica Museum and an exhibition of photographs featuring the works of the Italian architect Ernesto Verrucci, famed for his architectural designs of Egypt's royal palaces.

Opera Aida, which continues to be performed to this day, was first performed in Cairo on 24 December 1871.

Some of the opera's most significant performances occurred at the Deir Al-Bahari Temple (Hatshepsut Temple) in Luxor in the 1990s and front of the Giza pyramids.

Verdi's masterpiece is a staple of the Cairo Opera's repertoire, performed at least once each season. It remains one of the opera's main attractions, consistently drawing large audiences to every performance.
 

The Egyptian Academy in Rome 
 

The Egyptian Academy in Rome was established in 1929. Initially located near the Coliseum, it later relocated to its current site in Valle Giulia, within the Villa Borghese grounds, alongside other major foreign academies, as noted in a presentation by Rawi magazine.

Today, the Academy is a leading centre for Egyptian, Arab, and African art in Europe. Following a major renovation in 2008, the facility now offers accommodations and studios for Egyptian art students in Italy, as well as a cinema, theatre, library, and multiple exhibition spaces.

The Academy is home to a significant collection of modern art and frequently hosts notable Egyptian artists, intellectuals, and exhibitions, including recreations like the tomb of Tutankhamun.