Ali El-Haggar, culture ministry collaborate on concert series to revive Egyptian classics

Ahram Online , Monday 10 Jul 2023

Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany met with renowned singer Ali El-Haggar on Monday to discuss the Cairo Opera House's upcoming concert series aiming to revive classic Egyptian songs, the ministry said in a statement.

Neveen Elkilany and Ali El-Haggar
Egyptian minister of Culture Neveen Elkilany (R) meeting with singer Ali El-Haggar at her office on Monday, 6 June.

 

The project, titled '100 Years of Singing', seeks to bring back the traditional 'tarab' singing style that defined Egyptian music for a century, the statement said.

​“The ministry is open to all serious projects that aim to preserve our heritage and nurture emerging talents,” said El-Kilany.

El-Haggar expressed his excitement about the upcoming concert series, hoping that it will introduce younger generations to the authentic beauty of Egyptian singing.

The performances will feature a modern arrangement by the Cairo Opera Orchestra, creating a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

These concerts follow the recent success of Medhat Saleh's ‘El-Asateza’, where classic songs were revived with modern orchestral arrangements.

El-Haggar aims to build on his example with soulful renditions of classic songs.

A prominent singer in Egypt and the Arab world for over four decades, El-Haggar has earned acclaim for his interpretations of lyrics from renowned poets like Salah Jahin, Abdel-Rahman El-Abnoudy, and Sayed Hegab.

He has collaborated with esteemed composers such as Baligh Hamdy, Sayed Mekkawy, Omar Khairat, and Fathy Salama, among others.

El-Haggar's repertoire includes famous love songs like 'Arfa,' 'Bahebek,' and 'Tegiesh N'eish.' He is also known for his contributions to popular television series themes such as 'El-Mal Wel-Banon,' 'El-Shahd Wal-Domou,' and 'El-Leqaa El-Thany.'

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