From soulful recitals of traditional Arabic music to modern renditions of Ramadan classics, Cairo’s concert venues offer a diverse array of performances that capture the essence of Ramadan. These concerts provide a unique opportunity for the audiences to enrich their evenings with a musical experience.
The Cairo Opera House offers a special programme for Ramadan across its venues in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damanhour. Without enumerating all of the programming, it is worth looking at some evenings.
Between 13 and 18 March, the Cairo Opera’s small hall will give its stage to troupes from Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines and Iraq, presenting special Ramadan Evenings. This will be followed by Nesma Abdel-Aziz offering her take on the holy month on 20 March. Meanwhile, the highlight of the Opera’s main hall is a Ramadan Concert by Medhat Saleh (20 March), featuring piano soloist Amr Selim and an orchestra conducted by Ahmed Amer.
Naturally, during Ramadan, the ensembles showcasing spiritual material take centre stage. Those performances usually feature artists with captivating voices accompanied by percussion, or simple instrumentation. One example is Al-Hadra Masreya Ensemble, known for their Sufi repertoire, with chants performed in the vernacular language allowing listeners to relate to their heritage.
Performances blend poems by renowned Sufi figures such as Mohieddin Ibn Arabi, Al-Hallaj, and Ibn Al-Farid, with traditional instruments, creating an immersive atmosphere that resonates with audiences. This Ramadan, Al-Hadra Masreya will perform at the Cairo Opera’s open-air theatre on 14 March, and the Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) on 17 March, and its concert will also feature the Moroccan chanter Jawad El-Shary.
Inshad, the traditional Islamic vocal music, plays an integral role in the Ramadan concert scene, offering a spiritual experience that captures essence of the holy month. Sheikh Yassin El-Tohamy will perform with his troupe at the Cairo Opera on 16 March, giving listeners one of the many opportunities to reconnect with his voice.
Born in 1949, El-Tohamy’s fan base is spread across the whole Arab region. He performs regularly in Egypt and in the region, often joining other Arab musicians in their projects.
The hallmark Religious Song Ensemble will also perform Inshad at the Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) on 20 March. Established in 1972, and operating under the Cairo Opera, the Ensemble continues with its mission to preserve the religious song heritage, often merging spirituality with a contemporary take on this unique material. Throughout more than half a decade, the Ensemble has been led by numerous renowned conductors, and featured numerous renowned singers, all of whom have contributed to the development of its creative material while presenting it to the Egyptian audience and touring across several countries.
Undeniably, attending a concert at the Arab Music Institute, a historical location operating under the Opera, is its own experience. This unique Islamic architectural gem that dates back to the early 20th century, and it delights listeners with a marvelous theatre, the Mohamed Abdel Wahab Museum, and a display of unique instruments (from Japanese koto, to Indian sitar and a santur from Turkey). Immersed in its distinct, atmospheric charm, the Arab Music Institute will host performances such as the Nour El Nabi Religious Songs Ensemble on 13 March and the Al Hour Religious Song Ensemble on 15 March, among others.
The religious atmosphere extends to many other venues across Cairo. El-Sawy Culturewheel (El-Sakia) will host the Abu Shaar Brothers (El Ekhwa Abu Shaar), the internationally renowned Syrian performers currently based in Egypt, on 15 March. Starting in the 1980s, with new generations subsequently entering the ensemble, the Abu Shaar Brothers perform music and lyrics from the religious repertoire including songs praising the Prophet Muhammad. The much younger Egyptian Nazra Troupe will perform religious hymns at El-Sakia on 16 March. The Ensemble focuses on the work of Sufi chanters from Upper Egypt.
Artistic heritage will also shine with the Abul Gheit Ensemble, which is set to take the stage of El-Dammah Theatre on 20 March. Specialised in dhikr and Sufi music, the Ensemble is dedicated to reviving authentic Egyptian heritage by performing a variety of traditional musical styles that reflect the depth of Egyptian culture and folk art. The ensemble relies on traditional instruments such as the oud, ney, and tabla, infusing them with modern musical explorations.
Another interesting location for Ramadan evenings is the Amir Taz Palace. Built in 1352, the building was remodelled several times, yet it continues to stand as a captivating space to visit and attend performances. During Ramadan several concerts are lined up for its open air stage, with the closest being that by the Looperia Project. The band was formed in 2012 with the aim of reaching out to African musical heritage. Their music is a unique combination of influences from across the continent, from south and central Africa to the northwest.
And, maintaining a spiritual tone, Ramadan provides an opportunity to revisit the Al-Mawlawiya tradition of the Whirling Dervishes, a Sufi practice deeply rooted in spiritual reflection and devotion. A unique opportunity comes on 13 March when a Female Mawlawaiya performance will take place at MASQ, the Multicultural and Artistic Space in the heart of City of the Dead (Qaitbey). For centuries, the whirling ceremony was performed by men, but over time, women began to challenge societal norms, bringing a unique feminine touch to this mesmerizing ritual. In their performance, while accompanied by Momen Mustafa’s improvisations on ney, the Female Mawlawiya highlight the grace of the heritage in an artistic way.
The spirit of Ramadan goes beyond performances that focus on spiritual themes or evoke a sense of heritage and history. Many venues host events that aim to bring joy to audiences while fostering a sense of togetherness. They welcome a wide range of genres, ensuring that both bands and solo performers contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of Ramadan evenings at the Rawabet Theatre, the Room Art Space, and Teatro Arkan, among numerous other venues.
Last but not least, the holy month is also an opportunity for families and friends to gather in Ramadan tents where they can enjoy a dining experience, Iftar and Suhour, accompanied by entertainment. Often serving as social hubs, these temporary tents that pop up in various parts of the city have become an integral part of Cairo’s Ramadan scene. They cater to all tastes and budgets: from small and more casual spaces to luxurious haute cuisine, offering gourmet dining and star-studded performances.
For instance, Mohamed Adaweya’s performance at the Pyramids Plateau, Hala Roushdy, Massar Egbari, and Sharmoofers at the Baron Palace, Moustafa Amar at the historic Abdeen Palace, or Wust El Balad at Zed Park are all part of high-end tent experiences at unique spots geared towards an upscale clientele.
However, there are also many smaller, more intimate tents that emphasize accessibility and community, often found in open-air spaces, around malls and community centres.
These tents provide a warm, inclusive environment, with small bands, traditional takht ensembles, and singers well-known from their performances across Cairo throughout the year. For many, these gatherings offer a unique chance to experience their favorite performers in a more intimate setting.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 13 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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