The day also commemorates the death anniversary of Sayed Darwish (14 March 1892 - 15 September 1923), an Egyptian musician, composer, and singer.
He is widely regarded as the father of modern Egyptian music, known for fusing classical Arab forms with popular melodies and for composing Egypt’s national anthem.
The new annual occasion was proposed by the National Centre for Theatre, Music, and Folkloric Arts and approved by Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno. It aims to spotlight Egyptian music as a core part of national identity and cultural soft power.
In Cairo, the main programme includes a performance by the National Centre’s choir and orchestra at the Cairo Opera House’s Small Hall, followed by the iconic puppet operetta El-Leila El-Kebira featuring lyrics by Salah Jahin, music by Sayed Mekkawy, puppets by Nagy Shaker, and mise-en-scene by Salah El-Sakka.
The Hanager Arts Centre will host the Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments for a showcase of traditional music from across Egypt using authentic folk instruments. Additionally, a music-related book fair at Hanager Square will offer publications at discounts of up to 50 percent.
In tandem, the Higher Institute of Arab Music will stage a concert by the Um Kulthoum Ensemble, while the Aisha Fahmy Palace will present The Voice of Egypt: Um Kulthoum, an exhibition dedicated to the legendary singer.
The National Library and Archives will display 22 reproductions of Darwish’s handwritten manuscripts, and the Supreme Council of Culture and the Cairo Greater Library will hold exhibitions and seminars.
The Nehad Selaiha Theatre will stage As If It Were Love, directed by Amr Qabeel.
Meanwhile, Downtown passages such as Baehler, Kodak, and Al-Alfi will feature live sets by independent bands.
Cultural palaces in Alexandria, Damanhour, Kafr El-Dawwar, Tanta, and cities across the Suez Canal, Sinai, Upper Egypt, and the Red Sea will also host concerts, folk ensembles, Bedouin troupes and puppet theatre shows.
Hanno said the ministry intends to make Egyptian Music Day an annual event, ensuring the legacy of Darwish and other musical pioneers continues to shape the country’s cultural and artistic landscape.
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