The concert, scheduled for Monday, 30 March, will mark the second time in history that the Royal Albert Hall hosts music associated with Abdel-Halim Hafez (21 June 1929 – 30 March 1977).
The legendary Egyptian singer first performed on this stage in 1967, receiving one of the greatest ovations of his career.
Nearly six decades later, Egyptian jazz singer and crooner Ahmed Harfoush will take over the Elgar Room, presenting a tribute to Abdel Halim Hafez’s repertoire. The concert carries particular symbolic weight, as it coincides with the 49th anniversary of Hafez’s passing.
Ahmed Harfoush
Ahmed Harfoush is an Egyptian jazz singer and performer based in London, known for blending classic jazz with Middle Eastern musical traditions. He has built a reputation for fusing European jazz structures with traditional Arabic instrumentation, enriched by contemporary influences.
Through his project, The Egyptian Jazz Projekt, Harfoush revisits iconic works from Egypt’s musical heritage, including songs by Abdel Halim Hafez, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Farid al-Atrash, Saad Abdel Wahab, and Shadia—reimagining them with a jazz and swing sensibility.
The ensemble performing at the Royal Albert Hall includes Ahmed Harfoush (vocals), Stefano Marzanni (piano), Ian Marcus (double bass), Dom Hall (drums), and Tom Smith (clarinet).
Egyptians at the Royal Albert Hall
In recent years, the Royal Albert Hall has increasingly featured Egyptian artists.
In September 2025, Angham performed there to great acclaim, becoming the first Egyptian woman to take the Royal Albert Hall's main stage.
Meanwhile, a concert by renowned pianist and composer Omar Khairat is scheduled for 23 May, marking another rare appearance by an Egyptian artist at the venue.
Harfoush’s performance will take on a more intimate character, making use of the Elgar Room, a cabaret-style space within the venue dedicated to jazz, world music, and experimental performances. With a capacity of around 200–300 people, it offers a more immersive experience compared to the main hall, which can accommodate nearly 6,000 attendees.
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