Egypt culture ministry designates 2025 Year of Um Kalthoum

Ahram Online , Wednesday 5 Feb 2025

The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 the Year of Um Kalthoum, launching a year-long celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Egyptian singer’s death.

Um Kalthoum

 

In an official press release, the ministry announced its comprehensive programme of events and activities to highlight Um Kalthoum’s musical legacy and profound impact on the Arab world. 

The ministry added that it will organize local, regional, and international concerts featuring prominent Arab singers performing Um Kalthoum's songs in contemporary styles while preserving their authenticity.

Moreover, the Cairo Opera House will host several events commemorating the Star of the Orient in Egypt, the Arab world, and internationally.

One such event already occurred at the Paris Philharmonic Hall (Philharmonie de Paris) in France. It featured the Arab Music Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Alaa Abdel-Salam, and singers Rehab Omar and Eman Abdel-Ghany.

The opera will also present two special concerts at the Arab Music Institute and a nationwide talent competition, Discovering Um Kaulthoum 2025, which aims to find young singers who resemble her.

Meanwhile, the ministry's General Authority for Cultural Palaces will organize the Um Kaulthoum Festival for Music and Singing, which will take place throughout February in various governorates. 

Furthermore, the Cairo International Book Fair is dedicating a special segment to Um Kaulthoum, which includes musical performances and an exhibition of rare documents and photographs at the National Library and Archives.

The Um Kaulthoum Museum in Cairo will offer free admission throughout February, allowing visitors to explore her personal belongings, photographs, and rare audio recordings.

The Cultural Development Fund, another ministry-linked body, will organize cultural and artistic events in Cairo and Alexandria. These include a documentary about the singer being screened at the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, two concerts at the Um Kaulthoum Museum, and a seminar in Alexandria.

Beit Al-Aini Children’s Creativity Centre is also planning workshops about the singer for children.

As the activities are still being organized, the ministry has yet to reveal details about all concerts, screenings, and other events related to the Star of the Orient.

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