Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Alexandria launches Its first open-air summer opera festival
The historic city of Alexandria, Egypt, has come alive this week with art, music, and joy as it celebrates its National Day. In a landmark event, the city welcomed more than 4,000 spectators from across the country for the opening night of the "Opera Summer 2025" Festival—an exciting and unprecedented artistic experience held at the city’s iconic Alexandria Stadium.
The festival was inaugurated by Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Henno, alongside Alexandria’s Governor, Ahmed Khaled Hassan Saeed. Speaking at the opening, Governor Saeed expressed deep pride in hosting the festival at the stadium, highlighting Alexandria’s rich tapestry of history and cultural diversity. He emphasized the city’s dedication to supporting all forms of art as powerful tools for shaping society and inspiring collective imagination.
The event is organized by the Egyptian Opera House, under the leadership of Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, and marks a special collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the local Alexandria government. Both organizations strive to expand access to the arts, blending tradition and modern creativity while making cultural events more inclusive—this year’s festival saw enthusiastic participation from people of all ages and abilities, including those from local NGOs and differently-abled communities.
Minister of Culture Dr. Henno described the festival’s launch in an open stadium as a bold, innovative step toward making Egyptian arts more accessible. He noted that initiatives like these help advance cultural equity, bringing the joy of music and performance to wider, more diverse audiences—part of Egypt's firm belief that culture is a right for everyone.
The opening concert featured an energetic, cross-generational musical performance by the Opera’s Arabic Music Ensemble under Maestro Tamer Ghanem, with classic and contemporary songs that set a lively tone for the week.
Running from July 27th to 31st, the festival promises five unforgettable evenings of music and celebration. Highlights include performances by renowned marimba player Nesma Abdel Aziz, celebrated vocalists Ahmed Gamal and Reham Abdel Hakim, the popular band Wust El-Balad, as well as beloved singers Hesham Abbas and Khaled Selim. Each night offers a rich, varied program, capturing the spirit of Alexandria’s vibrant cultural scene.
Through the Summer Opera Festival, Alexandria is not only commemorating its storied past, but also inviting the world to share in the joy of the arts—reaffirming that culture, music, and togetherness remain at the heart of this timeless coastal city.