In these pages you will hopefully find interesting tips on how to take advantage of Cairo's many cultural opportunities, with particular attention to live events. Cairo Live Events Guide does not pretend to be exhaustive but will try to cover main events open to the public.

This is a private, independent, nonprofit endeavour. This blog was started in August 2008 by Cairowanderer who has been running it solo up to May 2011. Since then Cairene Beat contributes as well to the blog. If you have any comment, tip, or information you think might be relevant for the blog, please write to cairowanderer@gmail.com or cairenebeat@gmail.com.

Read about Cairo Live Events Guide on The Daily News Egypt

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Goodbye


Saying goodbye is seldom a nice experience, but when the time to part comes, saying goodbye is still better than remaining silent.

Cairo Live Event Guide has been online for five years. During this period of time few days have passed without me thinking about it, writing on it, receiving mails about it. Even after my departure from Cairo two years ago it has been, though necessarily less conspicuously, an integral part of my life. But now I have come to a point where the distance and other obligations prevent me from giving CLEG the amount of time and dedication it needs in order to continue to be the blog I wish it to be. So, after a lot of thinking, I decided that it was better to close it, rather than to let it fade away.

Cairo Live Events Guide has been a work of passion, a passion for a city and for its artistic richness. It has contributed to bring Cairo’s cultural life closer to my heart and, given the number of readers and subscribers, I assume to the hearts of many other people too. That was the sole aim of it.

I would like to thank all artists and event organizers that have collaborated with me during these years and wish them all the success they deserve.

The blog comes to an end, ... the passion remains.

Goodbye to you all,
Cairowanderer

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

HIGH ON BODY FAT & SALALEM at El Genaina Theatre


The two Cairo based bands HIGH ON BODY FAT and SALALEM will perform on Thursday September 26, 2013 starting 7:00 PM at El Geneina Theatre in Al Azhar Park.

Ahmed Safi el-Din and Marwan Imam are HIGH ON BODYY FAT, a musical comedy duo hailing from our very own Cairo, whose distinctive style involves parodying popular songs and replacing the lyrics with humorous Arabic or English ones.

Formed in 2005, SALALEM band benefits from the diverse influences of its members and its unique formation involving three guitarists, a formation unusual anywhere in the world, and almost unheard of in the Middle East. The end product is simple groovy tunes fused with sarcastically humorous Egyptian lyrics that have come to be their distinguishing quality.

Entrance tickets: 10EGP, available also online at ticketsmarche.com

Al Azhar Park - Salah Salem Rd. – Darassa
For more info please visit: mawred.org or call 02 23637081
Please Note that smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the theater.
More information on Al Mawred on facebook & twitter

Sunday, September 22, 2013

TELEPOETIC BAND at the Makan


The Makan  (Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts) presents a concert of the TELEPOETIC BAND on Tuesday September 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM.

Telepoetic's music is an original mixture of experimentation resulting from the clash of the approaches of a trio of musicians. It is melodic deformed audio material combined with improvisations that walk over a strong tight acoustic construction.
To watch a Telepoetic performance, click here.


Tickets price: 30 LE per person, 20 LE per person for families.
Doors open at 7:30PM.
Tea and Karkade are served.
E-mail: makan@egyptmusic.org
MakAn: 1 (Not 1a) Saad Zaghloul Street, 11461, El Dawaween, Cairo.
(on the corner of across Saad Zaghloul and Mansour street)
Tel: 00202 27920878
http://www.egyptmusic.org
www.facebook.com/pages/Egyptian-Center-for-Culture-and-Arts-Makan
Click here for a map.

Friday, September 20, 2013

5th CAIRO VIDEO FESTIVAL


Over the span of two weeks, the festival presents a diverse program of experimental film and video art from around the world. The selection was made from hundreds of received applications to highlight recent experiments in these fields. The screenings are followed by special sessions led by guest filmmakers and program curators to present their work and discuss it with the audience. The 5th Cairo Video Festival seeks to become a platform for all those experimenting with the mediums of film and video.

The festival is organized by MEDRAR, a space for young artists to host conversations on the state of contemporary art, initiate and carry out collaborative projects and engage in a process of collective learning.

Opening: Wednesday 25 September 2013 at 7:00 PM
Daily program: from 25 September to 7 October 2013

Loop videos from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Screening program from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
For the detailed program of the event click here (scroll down for English version)

Address: 7 Gamal El Din Abou El Mahasen Street, First Floor, Apartment 4, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt, 11519
Phone: (+2) 02 27957714
Email: info@medrar.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Medrar.org

Thursday, September 19, 2013

MARWA EL-SHAZLY at Mashrabia Gallery


Mashrabia Gallery invites you to attend the opening of the exhibition Made in Lebanon by MARWA EL-SHAZLY on Sunday September 22, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

"I am speaking about the Lebanese pop divas, those who are being produced mainly in Beirut but also in Cairo and represent one of the cultural prides of Lebanon. The basic feature of this industry is the combination of regional Arabic tunes and the elements of international pop music. The themes tend to focus on longing, sorrow, passion and all kinds of dreamy romantic love issues. Therefore the most frequently used words are “my love”, “my sweetheart”…etc. which comes from an unrealistic world, probably as a mean of resistance or a getaway or to satisfy irreplaceable human needs which enriches the idea of dream and hope"

The exhibition runs until October 17, 2013, daily except Fridays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.


Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art - 8, Champollion St., Downtown Cairo
Phone 02 25784494, mobile 0100 1704554.
Opening hours: Daily except Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
www.mashrabiagallery.org

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

SUMMER BREAK

Dear readers,
This post should have appeared 10 days ago, but somehow it did not; I apologize for that.

CLEG will take a (quite long) rest and will be back in October. Wish you all a happy summer and hope to find you again in a peaceful and more stable Cairo.

Friday, August 2, 2013

SANAA MOUSSA (Palestine) at the Geneina Theatre


On Sunday August 04, 2013 at 9:00 PM the Palestinian singer SANAA MOUSSA will perform at the Geneina Theatre in Al Azhar Park for the closing night of Mawred's Hayy Festival.

Sanaa Moussa was born in the Palestinian village Deir Al-Asad in the Galilee. Her father is a well known musician and singer who excelled at singing folkloric songs of Syria, Egypt and Iraq. That was the trigger for Sanaa’s connection to classic Arabic music and in particular the Palestinian folk.

In 2003 she received training and performed at the Oriental Music Center. Startin in 2004, she has been performing classic and folkloric songs at several festival across the Arab World and Europe. In 2008 she founded her own band and called it “Naw Athar”. The band presents folkloric songs in new arrangements while maintaining their oriental flavor.

Tickets are available online at: ticketsmarche.com
Al Azhar Park - Salah Salem Rd. – Darassa
Please note that smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the theatre
For more information, please follow Mawred Al Thaqafy on facebook & twitter



KHANSA BATMA (Morocco) at the Hayy Festival TONIGHT


Tonight, Friday August 02, 2013 at 9:00 PM the Moroccan singer KHANSA BATMA will perform at the Geneina Theatre in Al Azhar Park in the framework of Mawred's Hayy Festival.

Khansaa Batma was born in Casablanca. She joined the Casablanca Conservatoire at the age of nine. The kick start of her career was a 2001 debut album entitled “Sharq wa Gharb” which featured folkloric Moroccan songs with European sounding arrangement, and international folklore songs with Moroccan instrument arrangement. In 2003, she released her second album “Ala Abwab El Sahra” or (On the gates of the Desert). This album describes a lost soul’s journey from Spain to Sudan and through North Africa. Her third album “The Dark Album” achieved huge commercial success among the youth; songs like “Barano”, “Gharani” and “Nestahel” were very popular. Batma’s songs bring together Arabic and Moroccan rhythms blended with Rock.

Tickets are available online at: ticketsmarche.com
Al Azhar Park - Salah Salem Rd. – Darassa
Please note that smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the theatre
For more information, please follow Mawred Al Thaqafy on facebook & twitter

MICHELLE ROUNDS New Album Release


Cairo based Jazz singer MICHELLE ROUNDS has just released her latest work under the title "Michelle Rounds and Her Amazing Friends". The album is a compilation of previously sold out works and new originals from 1993 - 2013 including performances by Tui Ravai, Vili Tuilaucala, & Paul Stevens. For more information click here to be redirected to Michelle's website where you can find a description of the work in detail.

The album is available for download at cdbaby.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

MAWAWEEL TONIGHT!


The final event of the MAWAWEEL Festival is finally confirmed and set for tonight Thursday August 1, 2013 starting 8:00 PM at Darb 1718
The evening will feature very exciting musical acts (Basheer, Salalem and Massar Egbari) and performances such as tahteeb, tannoura and fire dancing. 
Below is the link to the now updated facebook event:

Saturday, July 27, 2013

UPDATE: MAWAWEEL FESTIVAL CANCELLED till further notice


Due to current circumstances, the organizers have announced that unfortunately they will have to postpone the Mawaweel Festival until further notice.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

NAWEL BEN KRAIEM at the Hayy Festival


The mesmerizing Tunisian artist NAWEL BEN KRAIEM will perform tomorrow Thursday 25 July, 2013 at 9:00 PM in the Geneina Theatre in Al Azhar Park in the framework of the Hayy Festival organized by Al Mawred Al Thaqafy.

To listen to NAWEL's music, click here.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

"AL WARSHA NIGHTS" at El Dammah Theatre


El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music invites you to a performance of "Al Warsha Nights" at El Dammah Theatre on Wednesday July 24, 2013 at 9:30 pm. Entrance is free!

Since 1992 "Al Warsha Nights" has reflected interest in our heritage and in the daily life in Egypt as a source of contemporary theatrical creativity.
These "Nights" include tales, sketches, songs and dances from artistic sources, and represent long periods of training and preparation for the various performances.
Since January 2011, "Al Warsha Nights" have responded to the emotions triggered by the revolution. Today, on the occasion of Ramadan, Al Warsha presents a night of satire; we contemplate our Egyptian character in the face of this world, and the difficult circumstances that are sweeping our lives.

For more information please visit www.el-mastaba.org

Monday, July 15, 2013

MAWAWEEL FESTIVAL - Update


The organizer have announced that the band MASSAR EGBARI have cancelled their performance due to take place next Friday 19th July. They will be replaced by the band US WE LAZQ.
The facebook event has been updated accordingly, see https://www.facebook.com/events/409991165777157/

Sunday, July 14, 2013

MAWAWEEL FESTIVAL 2013 - Schedule


As promised in the introduction post of June 29 (click here), herebelow you'll find the detailed schedule of this year's Mawaweel Festival at DARB 1718. Congratulations to the organizers for coming up with such a great event at such a difficult time. Chapeau!

Friday 19th July 2013
9:00pm - 12am: Children Workshop Corner - Art Therapy Workshop / Monoprint Workshop/ Recycling (Re-Art) Workshop/ Pottery Workshop
9:00pm – 1.30am: Bazaar/ Food & Beverages/“Khadra 2013’ Art Exhibition (featuring female artists from Egypt and the Middle East)

9:00pm – 9:30pm: Opening Act - El Khayal El Shaby (Theatrical Performance)
9:45pm – 10:00pm: Short Film Screening - ‘Ravings’ by Alia Ayman
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Concert - Mohamed Mohsen Band
11:00pm – 12:00am: Concert - Massar Egbari

Friday 26th July 2013
9:00pm - 12am: Children Workshop Corner - Art Therapy Workshop / Monoprint Workshop/ Recycling (Re-Art) Workshop/ Pottery Workshop
9:00pm – 1.30am: Bazaar/Food & Beverages/“Khadra 2013’ Art Exhibition (featuring female artists from Egypt and the Middle East)

9:00pm – 9:30pm: Opening Act - The Percussion Show
9:30pm – 10:00pm: Two Short Film Screenings - ‘Noor’ Ahmed Ibrahim & ‘Al Maktoub’ by Ahmed Amer
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Concert Mawlawiyah (Sufi Band)
11:00pm – 12:00am: Concert Salalem

Friday 2nd August 2013
9:00pm - 12am: Children Workshop Corner - Art Therapy Workshop / Monoprint Workshop/ Recycling (Re-Art) Workshop/ Pottery Workshop
9:00pm – 1.30am: Bazaar/Food & Beverage/“Khadra 2013’ Art Exhibition

9:00pm – 9:30pm: Opening Act - Tanoura & Tahteeb Show
9:30pm – 10:00pm: Two Short Film Screenings – ‘6’ by Bahaa Al Gamal & ‘Bahari’ by Ahmed Ghoneimy
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Concert Ashara Gharby
11:00pm – 12:00am: Concert Basheer

Entrance Ticket: 30EGP (children under 12 are free)
Children Workshops Corner: 50EGP per workshop

For latest updates and more info, go to the Festival Facebook page.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Egypt's Musicians and the current political situation - Article


An interesting piece by Janne Louise Andersen for Al Monitor about Egypt's musicians and their take on the current situation in the country.
Click here to be redirected to the article.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

OMAR EL NAGDI at El Kahila Art Gallery


Striving to keep going against all odds and pursuing its commitment to honour and promote Egyptian artists, Al Kahila Art Gallery is glad to announce an exhibition of works by OMAR EL NAGDI. The exhibition will start on Saturday 6th of July, 2013 at 1:00 PM and will continue until Tuesday 9th at 9:00 PM.

Born in 1931, Omar El Nagdi graduated at the Academy of Venice, in Italy, in 1965 (Higher Diploma). He has a mention in the French Thesaurus Larousse since 1970. His works are part of several State collections including the Museum of Modern Art, the Ruskin Museum, the Library of Congress in USA , Museum of Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram, Museum of the White House in USA and in the private collections of the Nile Hilton Hotel, and Hotel Four Seasons in Sharm El Sheikh.


Saturday, June 29, 2013

MAWAWEEL FESTIVAL 2013


Mark your calendars!
Following the successes of the 2010 and 2012 editions, Cairo Jazz Club Agency’s ‘Mawaweel’ festival will hold its third edition for three consecutive Fridays during Ramadan, starting from 19th July and ending on 2nd August, 2013 at Darb 1718, Egyptian Contemporary Art and Culture Center.

Mawaweel offers a fresh alternative Ramadan experience, rich in culture and entertainment value. The program includes art exhibitions, crafts, workshops by Grammy Award winner Fathy Salama, theatrical and musical performances, as well as diverse bazaars. Friends and families from all walks of life can mingle and enjoy a fun packed program while indulging in an array of delicious oriental nibbles and beverages to get a proper taste of Middle Eastern flavours.

CLEG will keep you posted with the complete program and schedules once we receive it from the organizers. For live updates, click here to visit Mawaweel Facebook page.


Thursday, June 27, 2013

UPDATE: KAFAFA TROUPE concert cancelled

El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music has just announced that, due to current political events, they are going to cancel this evening performance of the KAFAFA TROUPE at El Dammah Theater.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

KAFAFA TROUPE at El Dammah Theatre


El Mastaba Center for Folk Music presents the KAFAFA TROUPE from Upper Egypt, led by singer Abdel Wahed al-Banna, on Thursday June 27, 2013 at 9:00 PM at El Dammah Theater.

KAFAFA (from "kaf" or "palm") takes its name from the clapping rhythms of the singers and dancers. The Kaf performed in southern Upper Egypt in the villages around Aswan, Luxor, and Qena mostly relies on a strong use of heritage and the singer's ability to improvise. The kafafa, who dance in front of the singer moving in one rhythm while usually clapping their hands, are those who offer the singer the topic of his performance.
Traditionally performed at weddings, the kafafa come from the audience. Their task is to sing one sentence directed at the singer, who is referred to as "the artist." The sentence is a lead which inspires the singer's lyrics to flow. Throughout the performance the kafafa can offer the singer more than one topic. The lead inspiring the artist usually comes as a riddle, explains an expert on the art of Kaf, Ahmed Abu-Khnegar. "The sentence sang by the kafafa refer to a topic or a known folk story which the group has agreed the singer should tackle in his lyrics. If they feel he got the topic wrong and that's not what they wanted him to sing about they can go on repeating the sentence until he gets it right" said Khnegar.
The Kaf borrows from and merges other folk art forms of the area, including Moulid, Namim, Waw, and El-Sira. It refers to stories from the area's heritage and tackles all aspects of life and culture, including morals, love, hate and [more recently] politics and other concepts.
In the past, before Kaf became a professional form of art, a woman used to dance during the performance. Traditionally only percussion instruments were used; the addition of the Oud (lute) is a recent innovation as is the absence of the female dancer. The common melodic modes (maqam) used in the singing are Rast and Ajam .

Tickets at the counter 30 EGP, by reservation 20 EGP. For reservations write to info@el-mastaba.org or call 01150995354 or 0223926768. Reservations will be cancelled at 9:00 PM.
Door opens at 8:30 PM
For more information please visit www.el-mastaba.org



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Cairo Jazz Club update


Due to the uncertainties surrounding Sunday 30th June, the Cairo Jazz Club has announced that they will be closed for the evening. Entertainment should resume the following day, depending on the circumstances that will follow.
Below you will find the entertainment line-up for the first week of July.

Monday 1st July: Misty & Hafez (Vocal, Electro Tech House), starting from 10:00pm
Tuesday 2nd July: The Cadillacs (Rockabilly) starting from 9:00pm followed by Crash Boom Cirque (Pop, Rock, Funk - Circus theme), starting from 10:00pm
Wednesdays 3rd July: Supa Dupa Fly ft. DJ Feedo (RnB & Hip Hop), starting from 11:00pm
Thursday 4th July: Karkadan (Debut: Cat Stevens Tribute), starting from 9:00pm followed by Glass Onion (Beatles Tribute), starting from 11:00pm
Friday 5th July: Rolling in the Deep ft. Minus T (Deep House), starting from 10:00pm
Saturday 6th July: DJ Mohasseb (Uplifting Progressive House), starting from 10:00pm
Sunday 7th July: DJ Ramy (House), starting from 10:00pm

Friday, June 21, 2013

The Egyptian ballet's challenges in the post-revolution era - Article


I arrived somehow late at this interesting article by Ati Metwaly, but if you haven't read it yet, and you are interested in the future of ballet in Egypt (and you should be if you read this blog!), click here to be redirected to the article itself.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

SORAYA FAHMY at Al Kahila Art Gallery


Al Kahila Art Gallery invites all art lovers to the opening of the Art Exhibition "L'Égypte d'antan" by Soraya Fahmy. The  vernissage will take place on Saturday June 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM.

Soraya Fahmy is an Egyptian contemporary artist, born in Athens in 1968. She always had the chance to travel the world since she was a child thanks to her parents' job. She graduated from the University of Geneva, after being educated in five different Lycée Francais schools worldwide. She has been painting since she was very young.

"My paintings are an emotional response to memory of people, places and of times spent with friends and family . The pleasure and joy is in the making, the layering, and the final reflection of the soul of people I met. I tell stories with my brush. Slowly, layer by layer the spirit flows into the painting. Eventually something pure seems to breathe below the layers. The time is frozen. How did the story begin? Who are these people ? I am walking in big footsteps. My footprints might be still small, but they are of importance to me and to the one whose heart is marked by my paintings".

The exhibition will run until June 29, and can be visited daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE 2013


After one year break, the FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE is back to Cairo's Citadel.
This music festival, organized by the French Cultural Centers, and taking place (almost) simultaneously in several countries around the world will take place on Thursday June 20, 2013 starting from 8:00 PM. This year's lineup comprises the bands DARWASHA, SALALEM, and EGYPTIAN PROJECT.
FREE ENTRY.

For more information, in French, and some video of the participating bands, click here. For more information in English, click here.

Monday, June 17, 2013

RANGO "The Masters of All Spirits"


In Sudanese Zar tradition, the "Sanga" is the spiritual mediator between the visible and the invisible. The "Sanga" plays the tanbura, a large-sized lyre shaped like a simsimia. This instrument was brought to Egypt by successive waves of Sudanese immigrants who came to Egypt after Mohamed Ali conquered Sudan under the leadership of Ibrahim, Mohamed Ali's son. Until the middle of last century there were many tanbura players. However, new generations lacked interest in learning and playing this instrument and the tanbura all but disappeared until Zakaria Ibrahim rediscovered the last remaining players and, with the founding of the Rango band, revived its practice.
Hassan Bergamoon and El Arby Jakamo are two of the last four tanbura players in Egypt and they will be hosting a performance of Sudanese Zar music at El Rango's performance at al Dammah Theatre on Thursday June 20, 2013 at 9:00 PM.

Tickets at the counter 30 EGP, by reservation 20 EGP. For reservations write to info@el-mastaba.org or call 01150995354 or 0223926768. Reservations will be cancelled at 9:00 PM.
Door opens at 8:30 PM
For more information please visit www.el-mastaba.org

To know more about RANGO check El Mastaba Center - Rango group & 30IPS - Rango group

Saturday, June 15, 2013

VISEGRAD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION


The Visegrad Group four members countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) invite all photojournalism enthusiasts to a PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION whose opening will take place on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at 7:30 PM at the Gezira Art Center -1, El Marsafy St., Zamalek.
The exhibition will continue until Thursday July 4th , 2013.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Czech viola player ZUZANA PERINOVA at the Cairo Opera House


The Cairo Opera House, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo presents a symphonic concert with the Czech viola player Zuzana Perinova as soloist. Ms. Perinova is recognized as one of the finest among the young generation of players. The Cairo Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by its Principal Conductor and Artistic Director Mr Jiri Petrdlik (www.jiripetrdlik.cz).

The program includes Arthur HONEGGER's "Pacific 231", Claude DEBUSSY's "Prélude a l´apres-midi d´un faune", Paul DUKAS' "L´apprenti sorcier", and Hector BERLIOZ's "Harold in Italy, Symphony with Solo Viola, Op. 16".

The concert will be held on Saturday June 15, 2013 at 8:00 PM in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House, Gezira Island, Cairo.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Closing Event of the first "ACTION FOR HOPE" initiative and ... a Sudanese music concert


Culture Resource cordially invites you to the closing event of the first Action for Hope in Ezbet Khairallah and Establ Antar areas, held in El Gabakhana, Old Cairo, on Tuesday 11 June 2013 at 7:00 PM.
This event is organized, in cooperation with Tawasol NGO for Developing Establ Antar, and will include an exhibition of the outcome of the workshops with the participation of the residents, circus and percussion performances by the students of the Darb Al Ahmar Arts School , and a concert by Mohamed Mohsen along with an exhibition of handicrafts on the side.
Due to the difficult access, Culture Resource offers bus rides to transport the audience from in front of Sea Horse restaurant on Maadi Kornishe to the venue of the event, from 6pm to 7pm, every 15 minutes.
The volunteer artists, doctors, teachers and athletes who took part in the action are: Ahmed Ezzat (Egypt), Osama El Metwaly (Egypt), Basma El Husseiny (Egypt), Hassan Amin (Egtpt), Hassan Soliman (Syria), Sayf Aldin Al Jelassi (Tunisia), Tarek Abdullah (Egypt), Ali Bouzoidh (Tunisia), Fadwa Meerkhan (Syria), Maan Hasbani (Syria), Mona Shemi (Egypt), Hala Galal (Egypt), Wael Allakkak (Syria) and Yasser Allam (Egypt).
Action for Hope is a new initiative launched by Culture Resource to offer relief cultural programs for communities in crisis in Egypt and Syria, by providing them with a comprehensive package of services and activities that address their material, moral and emotional needs. For more info please join Action for Hope FB page.

I also take this opportunity to remind you that the June program of El Genaina theatre features tonight Friday June 7, 2013 a Sudanese concert with performances from ASIA MADANI and ABAZAR ABD EL BAKI. The concert starts at 8.30 PM and will take place in the Genaina Theatre in Al Azhar Park, Salah Salem Rd., Darassa.
For more info please visit www.mawred.org or call 02 23637081.
Please Note that smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the theatre.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

"Young Female Egyptian Musicians Break Barriers" an article by Janne Louise Andersen


I think many of you will find this article extremely interesting: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/06/egypt-female-musicians-break-barriers.html

"RHINO STORY" by Ahmed Sabry, based on the book by Mohammed Abdelkarim, at the Mashrabia Gallery


Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art invites you to attend the opening of the exhibition "Rhino Story",  paintings by Ahmed Sabry based on the book by Mohamed Abdelkarim, on Sunday, June 9 2013, at 7: 00 PM.

"If the world is divided between the totalitarian attack of progressive ideas and the defensive reactionism of traditional ideas, then enlightenment would lie in the creation of absurdity itself." (Mohamed Abdelkarim)
The Rhino story was written by Mohamed Abdelkarim during his study in Beirut/Lebanon in 2012.
He is now working on publishing a book that would include this story along with other narratives in addition to some painted pictures. This book will be presented during the exhibition.
“A hexagonal box, a blue wig and a spiral medal,the rhino is trying to keep that heritage from tampering, while the people are eagerly awaiting rhino appearance, but can they recognize the expected one?”
The anecdotal texts or narratives are the main pillars on which Ahmed Sabry decided to create this narrative collection of "The Rhino Story" as a kind of visual narratives with symbolic logic. The visual narrative structure may surpass the limits of the written scene, so the story doesn't necessarily mean the literal given meaning whether on the surface level or the symbolic level, hence, it can be said that the hermeneutical construction of the text is completed and fully delivered.
The exhibition runs until July 4, 2013.

Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art
8, Champollion St., Downtown Cairo
Phone 02 25784494 Mobile 0100 1704554
Opening hours: Daily except Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
www.mashrabiagallery.org

Monday, June 3, 2013

100Live Electronic Music Festival


The annual electronic music festival 100Live (click here for more info) is back with a series of international (including world-renowned UK sonic artist and electronic musician Kode9) and Egyptian artists. The festival will take place on Thursday June 6 and Friday June 7, 2013 at the Rawabet Theatre, 3 Hussein el Maamar st., off Mahmoud Basiony st. Downtown Cairo.
FREE ENTRY!

The line up of the festival is as follows:
Thursday 6: CELLAR DOOR (electronic), ZULI (deep/dass), KODE 9 (dub), EL MADFA3GEYA (shaabi), BRUTUZZ (dubstep), 100LIVE DJ: Ismael Hosny
Friday 7: RAYMOND M (electro), TELEPOETIC (psychedelic rock), ISLAM CHIPSY (hardcore shaabi), NEOBYRD (electro pop), 100LIVE DJ: Ismael Hosny

Saturday, June 1, 2013

SARAH EL GOHARY (Egypt) and RIBAB FUSION (Morocco) at the Cairo Jazz Club


Cairo Jazz Club bids farewell to their contemporary Middle Eastern Music series, 'El Fusion' with the fourth and final installment on Tuesday May 4, 2013 starting at 10:00 PM.
Each Tuesday, for the past three weeks, "El Fusion" featured some of Egypt's best bands as well as different musical sensations from all over the Middle East. This time it is the turn of Egyptian songwriter SARAH EL GOHARY https://www.facebook.com/SarahElGoharyOfficial  & https://soundcloud.com/sarah-el-gohary  and of Moroccan band RIBAB FUSION https://www.facebook.com/ribabfusion?fref=ts  & https://soundcloud.com/search?q=Ribab%20Fusion .

For reservations please contact 010 6880 4767
Reservation lines are open daily from 5pm - 9pm

Cairo Jazz Club LLC |197, 26th July St., Agouza (Sphinx Sq)
www.cairojazzclub.com/location.htm

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Italian writer DACIA MARAINI in Cairo


The famous writer DACIA MARAINI, author of novels, short stories, theatrical plays, poems, autobiographical tales, and essays will present the Arabic version of the book "La lunga vita di Marianna Ucrìa" edited by Sharkiat and published in Italy in 1990.
With this book Maraini has been awarded the "Supercampiello" and "Book of the year 1990" prizes. Roberto Faenza has been inspired by this book to direct the movie "Marianna Ucrìa". The Arabic translation of the book will be presented by prof. Khairy Douma, professor of Contemporary Arabic Literature at Cairo University.
The event will take place on Monday June 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the Theatre of the Italian Cultural Institute in Zamalek.

DACIA MARAINI: I TELL YOU A POEM
In the framework of the project "Kalam le-l shabab/Words of Youth: Youth, Creativity and Poetry in Today’s Egypt", co-funded by the European Union, Dacia Maraini will participate in the workshop "I tell you a poem". During the event Maraini will read her poems to groups of students, young poets from Cairo and the general public.
This event will take place on Tuesday May 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Theatre of the Italian Cultural Institute in Zamalek.

Monday, May 27, 2013

"A NIGHT AT KARLSTEIN" movie screening


Within the framework of the cultural events organized by the Visegrád Group, The Embassy of the Czech Republic is presenting the Czech musical film "A NIGHT AT KARLSTEIN" (1973) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 8:00 PM in the Office of the Hungarian Cultural Counselor - Balassi institute, 13, Gawad Hosni St (off Kasr El Nil St.), 2nd floor, Downtown, Cairo.
FREE ADMISSION and ENGLISH SUBTITLES

"A NIGHT AT KARLSTEIN" is a 1973 Czech musical film directed by Zdeněk Podskalský, based on an 1884 play by Jaroslav Vrchlický. Although established almost a century ago, even today this lovely play about Emperor Charles IV and Elisabeth of Pomerania, which was the first woman who violated her husband's ban and entered in a male disguise to Karlstejn, enjoys great popularity with audiences of all generations. Director Podskalský tried to keep the old form of musical substance, while still retaining its historic atmosphere of comedy dialogues and charming archaisms. Cast: Karel Höger, Jana Brejchová, Vlastimil Brodský, Jaroslav Marvan, Miloš Kopecký, Waldemar Matuška, Slávka Budínová, Daniela Kolářová, Jaromír Hanzlík etc.

Synopsis: Charles IV, Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor, has built Karlstejn castle to house the crown jewels. More importantly, it is a place of relaxation and meditation, so no women are permitted, and no politics are to be discussed. His young wife misses him, and hearing of the prohibition, resolves to sneak in for a night. At the same time, a country girl needs to prove she has spent one night at Karlstejn to get her potential fiance's father to agree to let her marry him. Both women dress up as pages. Things get complicated when foreign dignitaries come to discuss politics, the queen is the page guarding Charles' bedroom, and the country girl is keeping watch on the walls of the castle.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

"DIKOTOMOUS" by DOMINIQUE MAHONEY & KENZIE KINGMAN at Al-Kahila Gallery


The exhibition "DIKOTOMOUS" by American-born but Egyptian-raised artists DOMINIQUE MAHONEY and KENZIE KINGMAN opens on Wednesday May 29, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Al-Kahila Gallery. The exhibition will run until June 10.

The two female artists Dominique Mahoney and Kenzie Kingman depict the existence of two worlds through Art. The inspiration behind the themes comes from classic stories, fairytales, and icons, and resides under the umbrella of modern pop culture and current affairs.
It is a depiction of two worlds that coexist. The way they cajole, bolster, and illuminate each other’s strengths, diminishes the significance of the weaknesses.
The artists chose to use only 4 colours: red, white, gold, and black, the representation of the Egyptian flag.
With hybrid backgrounds the artists experienced a cosmopolitan upbringing that allowed them to combine and adapt to different principles, views, and philosophies. Opposing styles on each canvas results in the creation of a series of hybrid compositions. Dichotomy is the splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts.

For more information visit www.dikotomous.com


Friday, May 24, 2013

THE PERCUSSION SHOW & DARB AL AHMAR ARTS SCHOOL at the Geneina Theatre


El Genaina Theater presents a concert by PERCUSSION SHOW on Thursday May 30, 2013 at 8:00 PM. Percussion Show consists of five Egyptian percussionists who are united by their infinite beat passion. They bring you a world of rhythm and energy using percussion and beats and their own bodies.

The DARB AL AHMAR ARTS SCHOOL TROUPE will also present a percussion performance by students between the ages of 6 and 18. Students enrolled at Darb Al Ahmar Arts School are taught circus arts and brass instruments in addition to percussion. They have previously performed at the Genaina Theater as well as at the opening of CirCairo Festival in 2012, among many other events.
Tickets: 20EGP. Tickets are available online at: ticketsmarche.com

Al Azhar Park - Salah Salem Rd. – Darassa
For more info please visit: www.mawred.org or call 02 23637081
Please Note that smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the theater.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

"Multiple Kafka", an exhibition by Czech artist JIRI SLIVA


"Multiple Kafka", an exhibition of litographs and etchings by the famous Czech illustrator JIRI SLIVA is currently on display at the Arthropologie Gallery, 13A El-Maraashly Street, Zamalek.
The exhibition runs until June 6, 2013 and it is opened daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

To know more about the artist and the exhibition click here to be redirected to the excellent article prepared by Sara Elkamel for Al-Ahram.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The KAFAFA TROUPE at El Dammah Theatre


El Mastaba Center for Folk Music presents for the first time the KAFAFA TROUPE from Upper Egypt, led by singer Abdel Wahed al-Banna, on Thursday May 23, 2013 at El Dammah Theatre starting at 9:00 PM.

"Kafafa" (from "kaf" or "palm") takes its name from the clapping rhythms of the singers and dancers. The "Kaf" performed in southern Upper Egypt in the villages around Aswan, Luxor and Qena mostly relies on a strong use of heritage and the singer's ability to improvise. The kafafa, who dance in front of the singer moving in one rhythm while usually clapping their hands, are those who offer the singer the topic of his performance. Traditionally performed at weddings, the kafafa come from the audience. Their task is to sing one sentence directed at the singer, who is referred to as "the artist." The sentence is a lead which inspires the singer's lyrics to flow. Throughout the performance the kafafa can offer the singer more than one topic. The lead inspiring the artist usually comes as a riddle, explains an expert on the art of Kaf, Ahmed Abu-Khnegar: "The sentence sang by the kafafa refer to a topic or a known folk story which the group has agreed the singer should tackle in his lyrics. If they feel he got the topic wrong and that's not what they wanted him to sing about they can go on repeating the sentence until he gets it right" said Khnegar.

The Kaf borrows from and merges other folk art forms of the area, including Moulid, Namim, Waw, and El-Sira. It refers to stories from the area's heritage and tackles all aspects of life and culture including morals, love, hate, and (more recently) politics and other concepts. In the past, before Kaf became a professional form of art, a woman used to dance during the performance.
Traditionally, melodic instruments were not used, only percussion instruments. The addition of the Oud (lute) is a recent innovation as is the absence of the female dancer. The common melodic modes (maqam) used in the singing are Rast and Ajam.

Tickets at the counter 30 EGP, by reservation 20 EGP. For reservations write to info@el-mastaba.org or call 01150995354 or 0223926768. Reservations will be cancelled at 9:00 PM.
Door opens at 8:30 PM
For more information please visit www.el-mastaba.org

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

MICHELLE ROUNDS with AMRO SALAH TRIO at El Sawi


Treat yourself with an evening of exquisite jazz on Friday May 24, 2013 at El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek with the Amro Salah Trio featuring Australian singer Michelle Rounds. Concert starts at 7:00 PM.

In the end of 2010 Pianist/Composer AMRO SALAH decided that it’s about time to perform his Jazzy ideas and compositions in public! Putting together his first Jazz Trio with 2 of the finest Jazz musicians in Cairo, Ehab Tass (Bass), also a life mate playing together since teenage years, and the“ technically shocking drummer ” Ahmed Hesham who’s at the same time the drummer of EFTEKASAT .
The Trio gave its debut performance at the Wisdom Hall in SAKIA inviting Jazz Vocalist Noha Fekry who appears frequently with the trio as a guest. The rare combination of such musicians has led hopefully to pleasant results of Jazz that mixes new age, acid and classical with Oriental, Latin and Bebop turning each live show to an exotic voyage.
Amro Salah Trio has performed at Cairo Jazz Festival in 2011 and 2012 with the Dutch legendary drummer Han Bennink , also performed at Cairo Opera House with Italian Singer, songwriter, actress and percussionist Elisa Nocita.
Musicians: Amro Salah: Piano, Ehab Tass: Bass, Ahmed Hesham: Drums, Michelle Rounds: Guest Vocal
www.amrosalah.com

MICHELLE ROUNDS is renowned throughout Australasia and the Pacific as one of their finest jazz vocalists ever, and has released numerous albums both in collaboration and on her own. Michelle has presented many jazz concerts throughout the world and is admired for her courageous and versatile scatting, more in the form of instrumental voice solos – she has a very wide vocal range and continually delights her audiences with the creativity expressed in this range – Michelle is a very fine and creative jazz singer of all styles - ballads, latin jazz, swing, be-bop, Mississippi Delta Blues, blues and waltzes.
Coming from a family of musicians, Rounds grew up surrounded by the sounds of music, growing up listening to Julie London, Marion Montgomery and Nat King Cole. It is her exuberant presence, confident, funny, and comfortable that is reflected in her performance. Her body language, swinging smoothly with each melody, sweeps her audience from one field to the next.

Monday, May 20, 2013

CAPPELLA NOVA CHOIR (USA) at El Sawi Cultural Center in Zamalek


The CAPPELLA NOVA CHOIR, the premier chamber choir of Lewis & Clark College from Portland (USA), will present "DANCE RHYTHMS", a concert of old and new American and Middle Eastern choral music in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek on Friday May 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

The program will consist of North African sacred and secular music (including the ecstatic Sufi music and dance tradition), American Shaker songs, 20th-century American choral music by Barber, Copland, and Ives, new music for choir by American composers Whitacre, Carey, and Lauridsen, Renaissance music based on dance melodies, and African-American spirituals and gospel music.

The choir is directed by Lewis & Clark music professor Katherine FitzGibbon, who is also Artistic Director of Resonance Ensemble and Head of Faculty at the Berkshire Choral Festival, and accompanied by staff pianist Stephanie Thompson. Assistant conductor Charlie Ahlquist, voice instructor Susan McBerry, and McBerry’s husband Albert Alter will also serve as leaders on the tour. For more information, please visit: college.lclark.edu/departments/music/ensembles/cappella_nova_egypt_tour.php

For a sample of the Cappella Nova Choir skills, check http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ine1OHoLxR4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvLdSsCSllk

Sunday, May 19, 2013

AUTOSTRAD (Jordan) and SALALEM (Egypt) at the Cairo Jazz Club


Cairo Jazz Club presents on Tuesday May 21, 2013 starting at 10:00 PM the second installment of their contemporary Middle Eastern music series, "El Fusion". This week, Cairo's darlings SALALEM, and one of Jordan's most renowned bands, AUTOSTRAD, will be on stage.

To know more about Salalem, visit https://www.facebook.com/salalem?fref=ts  and listen to their music on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/salalem-1 . For Autostrad check https://www.facebook.com/Autostrad.jo?ref=ts&fref=ts  and listen to their music at https://soundcloud.com/autostrad .

Next El Fusion Tuesdays:
Tuesday 28th May, 2013: Darwasha (Egypt) followed by Akher Zapheer (Jordan)
Tuesday 4th June, 2013: Sarah El Gohary (Egypt) followed by Ribab Fusion (Morocco)

For reservations please contact 010 6880 4767. Reservation lines open daily from 5pm - 9pm
Cairo Jazz Club LLC |197, 26th July St., Agouza (Sphinx Sq)
www.cairojazzclub.com/location.htm

Saturday, May 18, 2013

"AFRICA BY EGYPTIAN EYES" is postponed


Have just received communication that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the festival "Africa by Egyptian Eyes" has been postponed to Thursday May 30, 2013. The organizers apologize for any inconvenience.

For updates, please see the festivals Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363860290381847/?ref=2

Thursday, May 16, 2013

"AFRICA BY EGYPTIAN EYES" Festival at the Pyramids of Giza


Youth Who Love Egypt organization invites you to the "Africa by Egyptian Eyes Festival", which will be held on Saturday May 18, 2013 at the pyramids of Giza. The event will present folk performances from Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Congo, and Ethiopia. The festival lasts from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Entrance is free.

The organizers are happy to accept the participation of more bands and cultural groups that highlight the unique folklore of African nations.

For further information, see the festival's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/363860290381847/?ref=22).

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

"CÒSMIC IN EGYPT" by Xavier Puigmartì at the Mashrabia Gallery


Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art will host the screening of the film "Còsmic in Egypt" (2013) by Xavier Puigmartì on Sunday May 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

The film is made up of a selection of short movies or visual poems, that - together - create a story. It is a craft work between cinema and painting. Xavier Puigmartì has written the stories, created the illustrations, filmed and edited the footage. The movie contains various landscapes and characters that are real while some, on the other hand, are paintings or drawings cut from paper. All scenes in the movie were filmed in Egypt. The duration of the film is 35 minutes.
Free entrance.

Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art - 8, Champollion St., Downtown Cairo
Phone 02 25784494, mobile 0100 1704554.
Opening hours: Daily except Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
www.mashrabiagallery.org

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Help sustain the tradition! Listen to the last virtuosi of the tanbura at El DammahTheater on Thursday May 16.


In Sudanese Zar tradition, the "Sanga" is the spiritual mediator between the visible and the invisible. The "Sanga" plays the tanbura, a large-sized lyre shaped like a simsimia. This instrument was brought to Egypt by successive waves of Sudanese immigrants who came to Egypt after Mohamed Ali conquered Sudan under the leadership of Ibrahim, Mohamed Ali's son. Until the middle of last century there were many tanbura players. However, new generations lacked interest in learning and playing this instrument and the tanbura all but disappeared until Zakaria Ibrahim rediscovered the last remaining players and, with the founding of the Rango band, revived its practice.
Hassan Bergamoon and El Arby Jakamo are two of the last four tanbura players in Egypt and they will be hosting a performance of Sudanese Zar music at El Rango's performance at al Dammah Theatre on Thursday May 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM.

Tickets at the counter 30 EGP, by reservation 20 EGP. For reservations write to info@el-mastaba.org or call 01150995354 or 0223926768. Reservations will be cancelled at 9:00 PM.
Door opens at 8:30 PM
For more information please visit www.el-mastaba.org

To know more about RANGO check El Mastaba Center - Rango group & 30IPS - Rango group

Sunday, May 12, 2013

MARIOLA CIENIAWA at the Manasterly Palace


Polish virtuoso pianist MARIOLA CIENIAWA will give a recital in the lovely surroundings of Manasterly Palace, on the Nile island of Manial, on Sunday May 19, 2013 at 8:00 PM.
The highly interesting program will include works by Szymanovski, Paderevsky, Mompou, Granados and Albeniz.
Click here for a biography of the artist and the full program of the concert.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

"IN SEARCH OF OIL AND SAND" Documentary Screening at the British Council


The documentary film 'In Search of Oil and Sand' will be screened at the British Council Agouza on Tuesday May 14, 2013 at 19:00 PM.

'Oil and Sand' was an extravagant film about a coup d'etat made by members of the Egyptian royal family and a few friends and relatives in 1952, shot just weeks before the royals were overthrown in a real coup. This documentary follows Mahmoud Sabit, the man who found the original 8mm reels, as he reconstructs the film's story, its array of real life players, and the political circumstances surrounding the shoot.
This uncanny marriage of fiction and reality reveals that the original film not only managed to unwittingly predict the fate of the King, but also foresaw the next 60 years of relations between Egypt and the West.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Mahmoud Sabit.

Friday, May 10, 2013

"EL FUSION" NIGHTS at the Cairo Jazz Club


Cairo Jazz Club came out with a very interesting idea. Over the course of the next four Tuesdays, starting from 14th May, 2013 and ending on 4th June 2013, CJC will present each Tuesday, starting at 10:00 PM, a double bill including one of the best bands on the Cairo scene and a musical sensation from the Middle East.

"EL FUSION" Nights Program is as follows:
Tuesday 14th May, 2013: Zeid and The Wings (Lebanon) followed by Abo Wel Shabab (Egypt)
Tuesday 21st May, 2013: Salalem (Egypt) followed by Autostrad (Jordan)
Tuesday 28th May, 2013: Darwasha (Egypt) followed by Akher Zapheer (Jordan)
Tuesday 4th June, 2013: Sara El Gohary (Egypt) followed by Ribab Fusion (Morocco)

For reservations please contact 010 6880 4767
Reservation lines open daily from 5pm - 9pm

Cairo Jazz Club LLC |197, 26th July St., Agouza (Sphinx Sq)
www.cairojazzclub.com/location.htm

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Cairo's Digital Art Festival and Imane Homsy on the press


Came across an interesting piece by Sarah el-Sirgany about the recently concluded Cairo's Digital Art Festival. Click here to be redirected to the Al-Monitor page featuring the article.

And the life and career of Lebanon's great qanun player Imane Homsy, who sadly passed away prematurely few days ago, is duly remembered in this obituary by Elie Hajj (always from Al-Monitor).

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

HALA ELKOUSSY at Mashrabia Galllery


The opening of the exhibition "Journey Around My Living Room" by Hala Elkoussy will take place on Thursday 9 May 2013, at 7:00 PM at Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Arts in Downtown Cairo.

This project by Hala Elkoussy borrows its title from the book "Journey Around My Bedroom" by Xavier De Maistre in which the author undertakes a journey of two weeks in his own bedroom and proceeds to describe it as if he has never seen it before.
In spring and summer of 2012, Elkoussy went back to her beginnings as a street photographer. She photographed every day in her neighbourhood of Downtown Cairo; her interest being in the mundane, the banal, the here and now with its wealth of small traces and the gaps that don't offer unilateral meaning. The resulting installation on offer in this exhibition offers visual indices for the larger context, a detailed portrait of a city in waiting.

The exhibition runs until June 4 2013, daily except Fridays, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Mashrabia Gallery: 8, Champollion St., Downtown, Cairo
Phone: +202 25784494

Monday, May 6, 2013

CARAVAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Program


Herebelow you will find the weekly program of the CARAVAN Festival of the Arts that will be held from Thursday May 9 to Thursday May 16, 2013 at St. John’s Church http://www.stjohnschurchmaadi.org on the corner of Port Said Rd & Rd 17 in Maadi.

*Opening Night of the CARAVAN Festival of the Arts 9 May (Thursday) at 7:00 PM -- Opening presentations by Muslim and Christian dignitaries, and the Ambassador of Switzerland. All 90 fiberglass donkeys together with the 45 participating premier visual artists that painted them will be present.

*Film Night 11 May (Saturday) at 7:00 PM -- Egyptian actor AMR WAKED has starred in movies such as "Contagion", "Syriana" and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen". He will be giving a talk and there will be a screening of his latest film "Winter of Discontent".

*Literature Night 13 May (Monday) at 7:00 PM — Dr ALAA EL ASWANY, best selling novelist (The Yacoubian Building) and writer, will give a talk and sign his newly released book, "The Automobile Club".

*Musical Concert 16 May (Thursday) at 7:00 PM — Concert featuring the renowned oud (lute) composer and player GEORGES KAZAZIAN who has published a dozen albums of his music which ‘capture a translucent way of playing the oud’.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

CHARBEL ROUHANA and THE BEIRUT ORIENTAL ENSEMBLE at El Genaina Theater


Oud master Charbel Rouhana and the Beirut Oriental Ensemble will perform in Cairo on Thursday May 9, 2013 at El Genaina Theater in Al Azhar Park.
Lebanese composer, singer and musician Charbel Rouhana is one of the few masters of the Arab oud and its techniques. Those techniques have been published in seven volumes and were adopted by the National Conservatory of Music in Lebanon and the Faculty of Music in the Holy Spirit University, where Rouhana has been teaching since 1986. Charbel Rouhana and the Beirut Oriental Ensemble have performed more than 100 concerts in Asia, Europe and Africa.
The concert will also feature percussionist Ayman Mabrouk, Oud enthusiast Ahmad Maher, and Accordion player Wael El Sayyed. these 3 contemporary musicians put their talent together to explore a new genre of music that is true to jazz’s real soul, beats and live improvisation.

Concert starts at 8:00 PM, entrance ticket costs 20EGP. Tickets are available online at ticketsmarche.com .

More information on facebook & twitter.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Decorated Donkeys grazing around Cairo!


The British Council, along with the Embassy of Switzerland, supports the fifth CARAVAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS taking place at St. John’s Church in Maadi from May 9 to May 16, 2013.
As part of the visual arts programme of the festival, 80 fiberglass donkeys will be decorated by Egyptian and foreign artists and exhibited in public places around Cairo.
The British Council in Agouza will be hosting two donkeys - one by British artist Julie Oxenforth [http://www.oncaravan.org/exhibition1/oxenforth/bio.htm] and one by Egyptian artist Dr Salah El Meligy [http://www.egyptartzone.com/about/instructors/salah-el-meligy/salah-el-meligy-biography.html], Head of the Fine Arts Sector of the Ministry of Culture.
After being displayed in Cairo, 25 of the donkeys will travel to Geneva for an exhibition at the United Nations headquarters and then on to London for a final exhibition.

For the full programme of the festival click here.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

"COVERING ONE'S BACK" Photography Exhibition


In today’s world, what images can we bear to look at? This was the question posed by Maha Maamoun and Ala Younis when curating the photography exhibition “Covering One’s Back”.

The exhibition brings together a wide range of works that engage with photography and the photographic process by artists from the Arab World and Switzerland. The artists participating are Atfal Ahdath, Yasser Alwan, Goerge Awde, Goran Galić & Gian-Reto Gredig, Raphael Hefti, Hassan Khan,Taiyo Onorato & Nico Krebs, and Heini Stucki.

Opening May 7th and running until May 23rd, 2013 the exhibition also includes lectures and Portfolio Review Sessions which are an opportunity for photographers to discuss their works with professionals. All events take place at the Gezira Art Center in Zamalek.

The deadline to submit applications for the Portfolio Review Sessions is 9 May, 2013.
Open call for application
Application form

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

PINOCCHIO at the Cairo Opera House


On Sunday May 5, 2013 at 8:00 PM the Cairo Opera House will host the well-known actor Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, already known to the Cairene public for his recent interpretation of Alessandro Manzoni’s “Promessi sposi”, who will bring on stage one the most famous characters in the history of world literature: PINOCCHIO.
Performing in the role of the puppet by Carlo Collodi, Finazzer Flory will be accompanied by original music and by two dancers from Milan’s Scala Theatre.
The piece has been already presented to great public and critical acclaim in United States’ theatres, where the Italian Cultural Year is being celebrated. The piece, conceived for the young and the adult, will be easily accessible also to non Italian speakers thanks to the Arabic subtitles made by the students and teachers of Misr University for Science and Technology. The cost of the tickets, available at the Opera’s ticket office, vary from 5 to 20 Egyptian Pounds.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

CARAVAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2013 in Maadi


As Egypt seeks to find its path into the future, the 2013 annual CARAVAN Festival of the Arts has the theme “In Peace and with Compassion …The Way Forward”. Hosted at St. John’s Church-Maadi/Cairo, sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt, and supported by the British Council, the festival will be held from Thursday May 9 to Thursday May 16, 2013 and will focus on visual public art, literature, film and music.

CARAVAN Festival of the Arts was founded five years ago with the objective of building bridges of understanding, respect and friendship between East and West, and between Muslims and Christians, through the Arts. The annual week-long festival attracts thousands of visitors from around Egypt and the world. One of its unique aspects is that, to date, the festival has taken place at the historic St. John’s Church in Maadi/Cairo, a center for interfaith dialogue for over 80 years.

The heart of this 2013 CARAVAN festival is a visual public art exhibition. This year over 45 premier Egyptian and Western visual artists, Muslim and Christian, are participating in what will be a truly unique public art-oriented exhibition for Cairo. The 2013 CARAVAN visual art emphasis seeks to follow in the footsteps of an approach to public art that has featured painted animals. The subject in Cairo will be the donkey which symbolizes peace in both Islam and Christianity. Participating artists included celebrated Egyptian artists such Reda Abdel Rahman, George Bahgory, Ibrahim El Dessouky, and Mohamed Abla, to expatriate artists such as the well-known Norwegian artist, Britt Boutros-Ghali.

Additionally, there are special participating guests in the festival for film, literature and music include noted Egyptian actor Amr Waked, who will be giving a talk and a screening of his latest film "Winter of Discontent", Dr Alaa El Aswany, the best selling novelist of The Yacoubian Building, who will give a talk and sign his newly released book "The Automobile Club", and the renowned oud (lute) composer and player, Georges Kazazian.

All attendance is free of charge, but 20% of all art sales go to Egyptian charities assisting the poor regardless of creed.

Website: http://www.oncaravan.org/exhitibion5/index.htm
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-jiYcwzCYI
Facebook--CARAVAN Festival of the Arts: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caravan-Festival-of-the-Arts/156946157687350