Violin and Piano recital - TONIGHT

I know this comes a bit late but I just came to know that tonight, Wednesday December 21 at 8:00 PM the theatre of the Italian Cultural Institute in Zamalek will host a Violin and Piano recital with Regine Bernhauer (Piano) and Mahmoud Said (Violin).

The concert will feature a selection of the most important and characteristic pieces chosen from the Mediterranean repertoire; a night meant to be an historical and artistic summary, from Brahms to Bazzini through Arabic music. Europe and Egypt meet each other in a dialog made by young musicians: a promise for the future, a great hope for music and for art. The programme of the concert is as follows:

P. de Sarasate: Romance Andaluse op.22
J. Brahms: Sonata Nr.3 d-Moll op.108

**************Intermission****************

Dia Succari: A la Dalona (Folk song)
A. Bazzini: La Ronde des Lutins op 25
Adel. A. Afify: Scherzo for Violin and Piano
P. de Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen op.20

ASLY MASRY Film Festival

From the 19 to the 22 of January 2012 Cairo will host the Asly Masry Film Festival, an independent film festival organized in the framework of the EU co-funded Project "Rising Stars – Itinerant Cinema in Egypt" which aims to support and enhance the independent Egyptian production through documentary workshops, open public lectures, production of short documentaries, and an Itinerant Film Festival to disseminate the work of Egyptian filmmakers.

Asly Masry (Original Egyptian) is the main theme of this Festival: a collection of films made by Egyptians, produced in Egypt, or talking about Egypt, under the artistic direction of the Cinema Critic Essam Zakaria,

The first stop of the Festival will be in Cairo, at the Italian Cultural Institute (Zamalek) and will be composed of: (I) a Competition Section opened to short films and documentaries; (II) an Extra Section, with all types of films (short, long, documentary, feature, animation) and (III) the Rising Stars Section that will screen a preview of the Short Documentaries produced by the Project and a photo exhibition -with backstage and still photos from the Rising Stars Documentaries production. Afterward, a selection of Asly Masry screenings will move to Port Said (26 – 28 January) and Minia (2- 4 February).

The Rising Stars Project and the Asly Masry Film Festival are implemented by Ricerca e Cooperazione NGO (www.ongrc.org) in partnership with SEMAT House for Production and Distribution (www.sematcairo.com), and in collaboration with: ICI – Italian Cultural Insitute, CFCC - Centre Français de Culture et Cooperation, and BEBA - Baad el Bahr Cultural Association. The project is co-financed by the European Union. For further information, please go to http://risingstarsproject.wordpress.com and the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RisingStarsEgypt

Do not miss Asly Masry screenings, (19 -22 January) at 6 PM, in the Italian Cultural Institute of Cairo: 3 El Sheikh El Marsafi, Zamalek

For further information, please contact risingstars.comm@gmail.com

Cultural Event at the Italian Cultural Institute

On Tuesday December 20, 2011 at 6:00 PM, the Italian Cultural Institute in Zamalek will host the inauguration ceremony of an Italian-Egyptian Committee to foster the Cultural Relations between the two countries.
What follows is the press release of the event:

On Tuesday December 20th at 6 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Institute will be inaugurated a cultural committee established by the Institute to promote the cultural cooperation between the two countries that boast millenary traditions. In the belief that culture, even in extremely heated and exciting moments as the ones we are facing nowadays in Egypt and in the Mediterranean area, can represent a bridge across our cultures and a stimulus for fostering the joint relations not only in the cultural sector but also in other fields.

The committee, headed by the honorary president H. E. the Ambassador of Italy, Claudio Pacifico, under the coordinating authority of the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Arnaldo Dante Marianacci, will include a number of sixty persons among the most relevant cultural and financial local representatives as well as prominent literary professors and important personalities in the show business, among all, the famous actor Omar Sharif and the writer Gamal El Ghitani.

The December 20th meeting will be the occasion of announcing the 2012 cultural program of the Italian Cultural Institute as well as to inaugurate the library of the Institute, the second most relevant among the eighty-nine Institutes in the world with 34.000 books, that will be entitled to Giuseppe Ungaretti, the great Italian poet born in Alexandria.

The actor Alessandro Quasimodo, Salvatore Quasimodo’s son, Nobel prize for Literature in 1959, will read poems written by Ungaretti in Italian, while the most famous Egyptian living poet Ahmed Abdel Moaty Hegazy will read in Arabic.

Copies of Ungaretti’s work translated in Arabic by the translator Adel El Siwi, member of the committee as well, will be donated to the guests.

To conclude the evening a musical live session, at the violin, Mahmoud Said, at the piano Regine Bernhauer will play Franz Schubert pieces, a reception will follow.

Audition for Women Egyptian Singers, Friday, December 16, 2011

For anyone interested in entering "Sing Egyptian Women" or "Ghani Ya Masreya," Cairo Jazz Club is hosting an audition party on Friday, December 16, 2011. Your audition video will be filmed by a professional film crew. Each contestant gets a 20-minute time slot, which leaves time for 2 or 3 takes. A couple of the contest judges will be there to give advice and suggestions. This is a great way to get an edge on the competition! If interested, please email contact@nilepromotions.com with your name.

DISCO CAIRO 2011 on Friday, December 16, 2011

Disco Cairo 2011 LIVE DJ FESTIVAL #1 On: Friday, 16 December 2011 At: Shahrazad nightclub Alfy Street, Downtown , Cairo LINE UP DJ Wezza, Okka, Ortega, from Egypt Addictive TV from the UK Jerry Bouthier from France Warm-up DJ Animal Strabisme from France Find more details on our website Check the event's Facebook page Entrance with invitations only You can collect your free invitation from The British Council 192 El Nil Street, Agouza, Cairo, Egypt Hotline +20 (0)2 19789 The French Institute, Cairo 1 Madrasset El Huquq El Frenseya ,off of Kasr El Eini Street Mounira Cairo , Egypt T +20 (0)2 27915800 Doors open at 9.00 p.m. Over 21s only Check the MAP for the venue Disco Cairo is presented by: 100COPIES MUSIC BRITISH COUNCIL INSTITUT FRANCAIS D'EGYPTE

WEEKLY MUSIC AGENDA December 12 - 16, 2011

Monday, December 12, 201

- Franz Liszt 200th anniversary concert conducted by Nayer Nagui at the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- 12th Kavafis Celebration (Greece) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Maghna Khan at the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Awadi Brothers at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

- Omar Khairat in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Ahmed Rabie Band in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Off Beat in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Egoz at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

- Omar Khairat in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Sphinx Orchestra conducted by Hany Hassan in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- DJ Tito at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, December 15, 2011

- Boghdady Band featuring Magdy Boghdady in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- National Arab Music Ensemble at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- JailBirds followed by Bad Mojo at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Event at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM

Friday, December 16, 2011

- DISCO CAIRO 2011 at Shahrazad Night Club, 9:00 PM
- The Bombie jazz trio & Nubian Drums at Qubbet Ghouri, Al Hussein, 9:00 PM
- Shady Ahmed at Kotob Khan (FB Page), 8:00 PM
- Ahmed Harfoush and Akram Sharkawy (Jazz) and Kempinski Bar, 9:30 PM
- Religious Songs Ensemble in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- The Rock Nation in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 7:00 PM
- Hossam Samir & The Sakia Adult's Choir in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Aly B at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Cinema Updates

Monday, December 12, 2011
Yi Yi (2001) at Cinema El Fourn, Darb 17 18, 8:00 PM
English subtitles
Taiwan, Director: Edward Yang

A wedding and a grandmother's illness reveal fault lines in the lives of one Taipei family in Edward Yang's extraordinary film. Yi Yi is built from deceptively simple elements that together create a complex, warm, and utterly convincing portrait of family life. NJ Jian is a businessman facing bankruptcy, but he has to juggle his financial problems with family strife when his mother-in-law falls into a coma. NJ's wife, Min-Min, brings her mother home, and each family member--including daughter Ting-Ting and her delightful little brother Yang-Yang--spends hours talking to the old lady. These conversations become confessionals and the characters gradually re-evaluate their relationships. There are no catastrophic conflicts, only the ordinary, sometimes troubled, unfolding of lives. Yang enhances the film's sense of reality by frequently holding the camera back from the action. The use of long shots and unexpected angles makes it seem like the audience is eavesdropping, catching glimpses of lives passing by. Whether chronicling middle-age father NJ’s tentative flirtations with an old flame or precocious young son Yang-Yang’s attempts at capturing reality with his beloved camera, the filmmaker deftly imbues every gorgeous frame with a compassionate clarity. Warm, sprawling, and dazzling, this intimate epic is one of the undisputed masterworks of the new century..



Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Royal Tenenbaums at Cinema El Fourn, Darb 17 18, 8:00 PM
English subtitles
(2001) – USA, Director: Wes Anderson

A comedic masterwork that ripples with inventive, richly emotional substance. Because of the all-star cast, hilarious dialogue, and oddball characters existing in their own, wholly original universe, it's easy to miss the depth and complexity of Anderson's brand of comedy. Here, it revolves around Royal Tenenbaum, the errant patriarch of a dysfunctional family of geniuses, including precocious playwright Margot, boyish financier and grieving widower Chas, and has-been tennis pro Richie. All were raised with supportive detachment by mother Etheline, and all ache profoundly for a togetherness they never really had. The Tenenbaums reconcile somehow, but only after Anderson puts them through a compassionate series of quirky confrontations and rekindled affections. Not for every taste, but this is brilliant work from any perspective


Saturday, December 17, 2011

THE YOUNG VICTORIA (2009) at the Cairo Opera House, 7:30 PM
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée
Featuring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and Paul Bettany
Runtime: 105 min. English with Arabic subtitles.

A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.

Music updates for Sunday, December 11, 2011

A full list of events for the rest of the week will be available before tomorrow. Apologies again for the delay.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

- Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Kolthoumiat at the Arab Music Institute, 8:00 PM
- Mustafa el Ammar (Iraq) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Songs from Naguib Mahfouz in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 7:00 PM
- Rooftop Sessions (Jazz trio) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Events Update

Apologies for the delay but here is a quick update for the day.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

NVIC Shorts 1 at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Zamalek at 7:00 PM

Irtigaal (Improvisation) – Bekara (Hymen) – El Central (Telephone Station) – Ahmar Bahet (Pale Red)

NVIC Shorts is a series of short film screenings in which an Egyptian director shows his/her work and that of fellow filmmakers. During the first NVIC Shorts, director and screenwriter Yasser Naeim shows his documentary ‘Improvisation’ and invites fellow makers Hisham Saqr and Mohamed Hammad to screen their short movies ‘Hymen’, ‘Telephone Station’ and ‘Pale Red’.


Irtigaal (Improvisation) – Yasser Naeim – 2010
Yasser Naeim followed director Ibrahim El Batout after he finished his movie ‘Ein Shams’. Batout’s second long fiction film was shot in very improvisational circumstances without professional equipment nor a large budget or shooting permits. Through the lens of the creative process of ‘Ein Shams’, ‘Improvisation’ gives a very interesting insight in the independent digital film industry in Egypt as a whole.

Yasser Naeim (° 1977) works in cinema since 2003 as a producer, director and script writer. He is currently working on his first feature film in collaboration with Youssef Chahine’s ‘Misr International Films’.
Language: Arabic (English subtitles)
Duration: 30 minutes


Bekara (Hymen) – Hisham Saqr – 2010
When a brother and sister, two Egyptian young adults experience sex outside the boundaries of society's acceptance and approval, they have to confront their personal beliefs and social value system. They find themselves caught up in a web of multiple standards, lies and hypocrisy. The ultimate test for morality is an easily replaceable piece of flesh but no one seems to admit that.

Hisham Saqr (°1980) worked as an editor in ‘Microphone’(2010). ‘Bekara’ is his first short film, he wrote, directed and edited himself.
Language: Arabic (English subtitles)
Duration: 10 minutes


El Central (Telephone Station) – Mohamed Hammad - 2006
‘El Central’ is a film about a woman who works at a call center and eavesdrops on the people who make their calls from there. She’s the only one, who knows all their dirty secrets.

Language: Arabic (English subtitles)
Duration: 18 minutes

Ahmar Bahet (Pale Red) – Mohamed Hammad - 2009
‘Amar Bahet’ tells the story of Shaima, a teenager who lives with her grandmother. The two women have nothing in common. One day Shaima faces an embarrassing situation that makes her become aware of her womanhood.

Mohamed Hammad (°1981) graduated in literature from Helwan University. He is an independent screenwriter and filmmaker with a main thematic interest in the life of the Egyptian female. He made several documentaries and short films and won international awards with his short film ‘Ahmar Bahet’. He is currently working on his first full-length feature film.
Language: Arabic (English subtitles)
Duration: 14 minutes

LA MEGLIO GIOVENTÙ (THE BEST OF YOUTH) at the Italian Institute of Culture, 6:00 PM (rerun at 8:00 PM)
An Italian epic that follows the lives of two brothers, from the 1960s to the 2000s.

Director:
Marco Tullio Giordana
Writers:
Sandro Petraglia, Stefano Rulli
Stars:
Luigi Lo Cascio, Alessio Boni and Jasmine Trinca

MAGDA AMARA Piano Recital

The internationally acclaimed Russian pianist Magda Amara will perform on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 8:00 PM in the Golden Room of the Mohamed Ali Palace in Manial (also known as Manial Palace).
The evening program includes great pieces from Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev.
For more details and artist's bio, click here.

Last minute updates for Saturday, December 3, 2011

MOVIE:

FULL METAL JACKET directed by Stanley Kubrick being shown at the Jesuit Culture Center, 6:30 PM
English with Arabic subtitles. Entrance free.

OPERA:
"Rodelinde" LIVE from the Metropolitan Opera screened at the Small Hall, Opera House, 7:00 PM

Also,
Friday, December 9, 2011
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at the Bikya cafe, 7:30 PM

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC December 2 - 9, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

- Bailando (Spanish music) Band in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- El Masryeen Band (Egyptian music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramzi & DJ S. Nakhla (Techno / House) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Nacelle (House) at Yasso Lounge, Trianon Boat, Giza, 8:00 PM

Saturday, December 3, 2011

- Handel's "Rodelinda" live from the Metropolitan Opera in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 7:00 PM (correction)
- Charbel Rouhana and the Oriental Jazz trio in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 4, 2011

- National Arab Music Ensemble in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Marwa Amer (Song recital) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Oriental Takht led by Dr. Ashraf Said in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Cocoon (Latin Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, December 5, 2011

- DJ Ouzo (Electronic) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

- Ghada Shaker & Afaf Tolba present Talents Development Center Students in Piano recital at the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Classikiat Moasra (Contemporary Classical) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Haga Tanya Khales (Oriental Latin Jazz) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Spunky Dynamite (FukRock 'n Roll / Dance) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

- Annual Children's Day festival at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Karakeeb at the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramy (Boogie) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, December 8, 2011

- Cairo Opera Company presents "La Boheme" in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Chamber music concert, Mohamed Hamdy, in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Talent Development Center concert at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Leil we Ein in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- HanyMust and Wust El Balad (Oriental Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Rango (Sudanese music) at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM

Friday, December 9, 2011

- Cairo Opera Company presents "La Boheme" in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Cairo Opera String Quartet in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Awtar Ensemble conduted by Amr Abdel Moneim at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Medhat Saleh at the MUST Opera, 8:00 PM
- Kayan (Rock) and Bel Ma'alob in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Mido Zoheir's "Azraq" (Poetry and Music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at the Bikya Cafe, 7:30 PM (update)

Cinema Updates

Sunday, December 4, 2011 (2 events)

THE SECOND TIME at the Italian Institute of Culture, 6:00 PM (rerun 8:00 PM)
Italian with English subtitles
Directed by Mimmo Calopresti.
Featuring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Nanni Moretti, Simona Caramelli, Marina Confalone.
Drama, Runtime : 80 min.
Italy / 1995.

A university professor sees on the street the terrorist who shot him twelve years ago in the head, without killing him, but leaving a dangerous bullet in his skull. The terrorist was sentenced to thirty years, but now enjoys a special permit, so that she can walk around the city. The professor approaches her but she does not recognize him, and mistakes him for a suitor. But the truth comes to light. The professor feels he has the right to obtain explanations from his executioner. The directorial debut of M. Calopresti, is a film about the memory of political terrorism that plagued Italy since the '60s.

EIN SHAMS (EYE OF THE SUN) at the Netherlands Institute of Culture, 7:00 PM
Directed by Ibrahim El-Batout
With: Ramadan Khater, Hanan Yousef, Boutros Boutros Ghali
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Duration: 115 minutes. Egypt – 2008

From once being the capital of Egypt during the Pharaonic era and a sacred location marked by the visit of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, Ein Shams has become one of Cairo's poorest and most neglected neighbourhoods. Through the eyes of Shams, an 11-year-old girl inhabitant of this neighbourhood, the film captures the sadness and magic that envelops everyday life in Egypt. In a series of heart-rending events, the diverse characters of the film showcase the intricacies of Egypt's political system and social structure, and give a glimpse into the grievances of the Middle East region and the complex relationships of its nations.
Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Monday, December 5, 2011

GEBOREN IN ABSURDISTAN (BORN IN ABSURDISTAN) at the Austrian Cultural Forum, 6:30 PM
Directed by Houchang Allahyari, Tom Dariusch Allahyari
Featuring Karl Markovics, Julia Stemberger and Ahmet Ugurlu
Comedy / Drama. Austria / 1999.
116 min. German with English subtitles

It all begins with a mistake, an error with serious consequences: in a hospital the new-born babies of an Austrian couple and a Turkish family of immigrant workers are mixed up and go home with the wrong parents. By the time the mistake comes to light, it emerges that the Turkish family, including the baby, has been deported. The despairing Austrian couple begins a confusing odyssey through Turkey in order to track down the unsuspecting family to their native village. But they are not at all convinced that the babies have been mixed up. It is decided that the only way to know for sure is to have a blood test done. It is decided that the blood work is done in Vienna due to the better medical resources, but that will be far from simple. It will involve an illegal smuggling of the Turks across the Austrian border.

1103 Corniche El Nil (near Hotel), 1st Floor, Apt. 7, Garden City.

ZAIDE QUARTET at the French Institute in Mounira

These past days have been very challenging for the country and its people and, even if I am "not on the field" and cover the developments from abroad, it looks to me as if truly challenging times (hopefully less bloody) lie ahead. I wish with all my heart a smooth transition to democracy and to all Egyptians to enjoy peaceful times soon.

Not surprisingly many events have been cancelled in these past days and it is therefore with even more pleasure than usual that I came to know that the French Insitute in Mounira will present in their premises a concert of the award winning Zaïde Quartet (France) on Thursday December 1, 2011 at 8.00 PM.

The program of the concert is as follows:
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, String Quartet No.23 in F major – 1790
Intermission
- Anton Webern, Six bagatelles for string quartet – 1913
- Claude Debussy, Quartet op.10 – 1893

The Zaïde Quartet is composed by Charlotte JUILLARD (violin), Pauline FRITSCH (violin), Sarah CHENAF (viola) and Juliette SALMONA (cello).

I hope many of you will take this opportunity to enjoy what I am sure will be a delightful evening. Wish I could be there with you.

Events cancelled

Due to the tumultuous state of the country, a number of events have been cancelled or postponed.

The Cairo Opera House postponed a number of events as announced here.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC November 19 to November 25, 2011

Saturday, November 19, 2011

- Festival & Conference of Arab Music (20th Session) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Satyagraha - The Met Live in HD at the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 7:55 PM
- Festival & Conference of Arab Music (20th Session) at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Massar Egbari Unplugged (Alternative Egyptian Jazz) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Sahara Band (Rai music) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 20, 2011

- Festival & Conference of Arab Music (20th Session) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Opera Children's Choir in the Open Air Theater at Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Festival & Conference of Arab Music (20th Session) at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Eftekasat (Oriental Contemporary Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, November 21, 2011

- Omar Khairat (piano) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Hossam Sakr Ensemble for Religious Singing at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Sahara Band (Rai music) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Mayouna and DJ Kamal Shatila at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

- Omar Khairat (piano) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Amany Monir (piano) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Mai Farouk (Oriental songs) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- The Big Jam Night (Classic Rock) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- DJ Dina El Ghareeb at the After Eight Club, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

- Music and Poetry Performance "Azraq (Blue)" with Mido Zoheir at Jesuit Culture Center, 8:00 PM
- Yehya Khalil (Jazz) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramy (Boogie) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, November 24, 2011

- Music and Poetry Performance "Azraq (Blue)" with Mido Zoheir at Jesuit Culture Center, 8:00 PM
- Franz Liszt 200th Anniversary Celebration Concert conducted by Nayer Nagui in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- El Ahlam Ensemble conducted by Ahlam Ahmed in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- El Sakia puppet theatre presents Abdel Haleem Hafez in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Shady Ahmed (Acoustic Rock) and Screwdriver (Rock’n’Roll) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 8:00 PM
- Rango (Sudanese music) at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM
- Medhat Saleh at the MUST Opera House, 8:00 PM

Friday, November 25, 2011

- Choi Young-Gi Music Concert (Korea) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Oshak El Nagham with Mohamed Abdel Sattar at the Open Air Theatre, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramzi & DJ Sherif Nakhla (Techno / House) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Dina El Wedidi & Band at Jesuit Culture Center, 8:00 PM

Cinema Updates

Saturday, November 19, 2011

THE SHINING at the Jesuit Cultural Center, 6:30 PM
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Featuring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd

A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future.

Screened at the Jesuit Center's "Gameat El Nahdet El Alamea wel Thaqafiya"
15 Mahrani street, behind the Jesuit School, Faggala
close to Shohadaa metro stop

Sunday, November 20, 2011 (2 events)

IL PICCOLO DIAVOLO at the Italian Institute of Culture, Zamalek, 6:00 PM (8:00 PM)
Directed by Roberto Benigni 1988/ Italy
Featuring Walter Matthau, Roberto Benigni and Stefano Antonucci
Italian with English subtitles

Father Maurice, a priest living in a residential college for priests in Rome, is called out one day to "exorcise" the devil from someone. The devil turns out to be in the form of a fun-loving man called Giuditta. What Father Maurice doesn't know is that this type of devil will turn his life around

STEVE+SKY at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, Zamalek, 7:00 PM
Directed by Felix Van Groeningen
Dutch with English subtitles

‘Steve+Sky’ tells the story of Steve – a not so bright small time crook/drug dealer recently released from prison – and Sky – a somewhat naive, banana-split loving prostitute. After several chance encounters, they finally officially meet through a mutual acquaintance – Steve's ex-cellmate. Their ensuing relationship is anything but smooth as they both struggle to find their place in life. The juxtaposition of the bleached reality of everyday life with the bright neon lights of the night reflects the ups and downs of this young couple's stormy love affair.

‘Steve+Sky’ is Felix Van Groeningen’s first feature film. He didn’t only direct, but also wrote the script himself. ‘Steve+Sky’ won the Plateau award for Best Belgian Movie and Best Soundtrack in 2004.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcfDoGRIWig

NVIC Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

THE YOUNG VICTORIA at the Cairo Opera House Open Air Theater, 7:30 PM
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée
Featuring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany.
Ireland / 2009. Runtime: 105 min
English with Arabic subtitles.

A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.

Wednesday November 23 to Tuesday November 29, 2011.
4th Panorama of the European Film. While the list of films is out, the schedule is still to be announced online.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC, November 12 - 18, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

- World Pneumonia Day 2011 event at the Markaz Shabab Gezira, 10:00 AM onwards. Acts include: Massar Egbari
- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- Sodfa (Contemporary Egyptian music) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Bashir (Nubian Fusion) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 13, 2011

- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- Talta Talet (Contemporary Egyptian music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 7:00 PM
- Adam Miller Group (Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Bashir (Nubian Fusion) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, November 14, 2011

- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- El Asal fi Rabea el Omr(Oriental music) led by Amal Fathy at the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Shahinaz (Egyptian pop) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- The Percussion Show and DJ Tito at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- El Sakia String Orchestra in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Sando2 Khashab (Oriental / Flamenco / Acoustic) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Bluenotes (Blues) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- DJ Samba (Boogie) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, November 17, 2011

- Khyam Allami (oud) concert at the Geneina Theater in Al Azhar Park, 8:00 PM
- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- Ayamna El Helwa Ensemble led by Mohamed Osman at the Open Air Theater of the Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- The Riff Band (Jazz) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM
- Kalcook Band (Jesse Cook cover music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM
- Tamara Yousri and The Riff Band (Jazz / 9th Anniversary) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 8:00 PM
- Rango (Sudanese music) at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM

Friday, November 18, 2011

- Festival and Conference of Arab Music (20th session) in the Main Hall and the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House and at Gomhouria Theater, 8:00 PM
- Kalthoumiat on Oud with Hossam Samir in the Word of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- The Riff Band (Jazz) in the Wisdom of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:30 PM
- DJ Masters at Funk (Funk / House) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at After Eight, 9:00 PM

Other Events
THEATRE: Tahrir Monologues, November 14 - 18, 2011, Rawabet Theater, 8:00 PM
OPEN MIC: 19th Microphone al Mareekh, Thursday November 17, 2011 at Makan, 7:00 PM

Cinema Updates

Saturday, November 12, 2011

BARRY LYNDON at the Jesuit Center, 6:30 PM
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
English with Arabic subtitles

November will be the Stanely Kubrick month at Jesuit Centre, kicking off with "Barry Lyndon." The story of an Irish rogue who wins the heart of a rich widow who assumes her dead husband's position in 18th Century aristocracy.

Screened at the Jesuit Center's "Gameat El Nahdet El Alamea wel Thaqafiya"
15 Mahrani street, behind the Jesuit School, Faggala
close to Shohadaa metro stop

Sunday, November 13, 2011 (2 events)

SPERIAMO CHE SIA FEMMINA at the Italian Institute of Culture, 6:00 PM (rerun at 8:00 PM)
Directed by Mario Monicelli.
Featuring Catherine Deneuve, Giuliano Gemma, Stefania Sandrelli, Bernard Blier, Philippe Noiret.
Italian without subtitles.

Italy / 1986.
Comedy. Runtime: 120 min.

The movie presents us the decline of a Tuscan family who owns a farm which is mainly managed by hard-working women. It is a remarkable film that enriches the poor panorama of the Italian cinema of the 80s. There is a wise mix of dramatic, humorous and grotesque, a beautiful gallery of portraits of women and constant oscillation between lightness and gravity. It is also considerable the way the director Monicelli develops, without ideological bias, the discourse on the absence, the weakness, the selfishness of men.

FI BAYTINA RAGUL (A Man in Our House) at the Netherland-Flemish Institute in Cairo, 6:00 PM
Directed by Henry Barakat
Featuring Omar el-Sherif, Zobeida Sarwat, Roshdi Abaza
1961, Arabic with no subtitles
Duraton: 153 minutes

Taken from the novel with the same name by Ihsan Abdelkaddous, this is one of Barakat’s nationalistic films, telling the story of the events right before the 1952 revolution. The film is about the life of a revolutionary, Ibrahim Hamdy (played by Omar el-Sherif). During a protest, one of his family gets killed and Ibrahim decides to take revenge by assassinating the Prime Minister. He is arrested but manages to escape and hide in the flat of an apolitical friend and his family.

NVIC Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

LA GRAINE ET LE MULET (THE SECRET OF THE GRAIN) at the Cairo Opera House, Open Air Theater, 7:30 PM
Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche
Featuring Habib Boufares, Hafsia Herzi and Farida Benkhetache.
Tunisia / 2007
Runtime: 151 min
French / Arabic with Arabic subtitles.

At the port of Sète, Mr. Slimani, a tired 60-year-old, drags himself toward a shipyard job that has become more and more difficult to cope with as the years go by.

**
Also mark your calendar for the soon to come 4th Panorama of the European Film running from Wednesday November 23 to Tuesday November 29, 2011. Schedule to be announced soon.

MAURIZIO LAZZARO

Maurizio Lazzaro, Italian guitar and oud virtuoso who loved Cairo passed away on Monday November 7, 2011.

Maurizio Lazzaro was one of a handful of non-Arab oud player acknowledged as a virtuoso by the very masters of the instrument. Born as a jazz guitarist, he has recorded many cds and performed extensively live in concert with some of the best Italian and international musicians, in addition to his teaching activity in Rome.
An interest in the Arab oud brought him to Cairo where he perfected his knowledge of the instrument and came into contact with many Egyptian musicians with whom he developed sincere professional and personal friendships. This led to his frequent visits to Cairo, many live performances, mostly at the Makan and at El Sawi, and to the establishment of the Cairo Jazz Group with the violinist Mohamed Sami, Ahmad Hani on bass, and the Italian percussionist (and friend) Fulvio Maras, with appearances of Wust El Balad's singer Hany Adel as guest.

I like to remember Maurizio on stage all alone with his oud in one of the very first free post revolution festivals in Abdeen Square, in the spring of this year. The square was throbbing with Egyptians from all walks of life coming to celebrate and in the air was a cacophony of  loud voices, children's screams, Cairo's ever present background noise, and music from a nearby stage. Despite it all, Maurizio went on the small stage, sat, and started to play his oud, unafraid of the prospect that the gentle sound might be drowned by the surrounding racket. People started to close in and listen in silence, their bodies creating an isolation barrier, and suddenly an island of peace sprang up in a corner of the square. In extremely difficult and uncertain times for the country, its people, and its cultural life, he was the only non Egyptian performing, and this gives a measure of the man, as much as of the musician.

He loved Cairo and I am sure he will be sorely missed by many there.

If you had the luck to know Maurizio and are a Facebook user you can leave your farewell message on his Facebook page.

Egyptian Music Scene on BBC Radio

BBC Radio 5 hosted yesterday night a 30 minutes special dedicated to Egyptian contemporary music scene. The programme features an interview with Cairo-based journalist Chitra Kalyani (who interviewed me as well few years ago for the Daily News) and her intriguing selection of tunes.
It is an interesting and refreshing piece that will surely contribute to spread Egyptian music popularity and, for  CLEG readers based in Cairo, an opportunity to get inspirations for an exciting evening out as all these artists perform regularly in town.

You can listen to the programme on streaming for free clicking here (skip to minute 35 for the part dedicated to Egyptian music). No special computer programs or devices required (well, ... you need some sort of speakers), just click on listen now. Hurry up though, the program is available online only for the next five days.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC October 29 - November 4, 2011

Sorry! We experienced some Halloween hiccups. All back to normal. Have a very happy and musical week! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra presents soloist Yasser el Serafi (violin) at the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- "MOZART DON GIOVANNI" at the Small Hall at Cairo Opera House, 6:55 PM (Part of the METropolitan Opera LIVE HD Series)
- "Alby Aleky Ya Masr" (My Heart to You, Egypt) concert at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Cairokee (Alternative Arabic rock) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Hip Hop Festival at River Hall, Sawy Center, 3:00 PM mistake!
- Ahmed Harfoush (jazz Bells in Zamalek, 10:00 PM
- DJ Feedo (Ladies Hip Hop & RnB) at Stiletto, 9:00 PM
- The Horrible Hospital of Dr. C at the C-Bar, 9:00 PM Gouna, anyone?
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Sunday, October 30, 2011

- Opera Children Choir at the Open Air Theater of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- En Chordais Music Ensemble (Greece) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Nogoum El Tarab Ensemble for Music & Singing with Moustafa Ahmed at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- The Chicken Came First (Alternative) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Nagham Masry (Egyptian Music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Halloween party with Ahmed Harfoush (jazz) at Pub 55, 8:30 PM
- Jakub UrbanTrio VS Eftekasat (Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Bashir (Nubian Fusion) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, October 31 , 2011

- Recital with Pavel Sporcl (violin) & Petr Jiříkovský (piano) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Nagham Masry (Egyptian Music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Nightmare on 26th July St. with DJ Samba (video) (Halloween party) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

- El Masreyeen Band (Egyptian traditional) the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Fuego (Latino Gipsy music) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Nass Makan at Makan, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

- Chamber Music Concert with Mostafa Saeed in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Oboe Recital, Wessam Ahmed (oboe) at Malak Gabr Arts Theater, AUC New Campus, 1:00 PM
- AUC Folklore group, Ewart Hall, AUC Downtown, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramy/DJ Sleem (Boogie) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, November 3, 2011

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra presents Yasser el Serafi (solo violin) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Song Recital with Iman Mostafa in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Heritage Ensemble for Arab Music at the Arab Music Institute, 8:00 PM
- Song Concert - Johnny at the Open Air Theater, 8:00 PM
- Saki Puppet Theater presents "Om Koulthoum" onstage, Wisdom Hall, El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Jailbirds (Rock 'n Roll) & Glass Onion (Beatles) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Rango (Sudanese music) at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Yacoub Abu Ghosh (jazz, funk, Jordan) at the Geneina Theater, Al Azhar Park, 8:00 PM

Friday, November 4, 2011

- Voice of the Streets Hip-Hop Event, Markaz Shabab Gezira (Gezira Youth Club), 5:00 PM
- Cairo Conservatoire Concert at the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- El Sakia Choir for Adults led by Hussam Samir, performing Sheikh Imam songs in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ouzo (Progressive House) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Cinema Updates

Saturday, October 29 - Sunday, October 31, 2011

Arab Shorts 2011 Film Festival, Goethe Institut, 5 Bustan St, Downtown. Refer tolink for full schedule.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

- "DIE FREMDE" (When We Leave) at the Jesuit Center, 6:30 PM
Gerrman / Turkish with Arabic subtitles
Directed by Feo Aladag
Featuring Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller and Derya Alabora

Umay is a young woman of Turkish descent, fighting for an independent and self-determined life in Germany against the resistance of her family. Her struggle initiates a dynamic, which results in a life-threatening situation.

Screened at the Jesuit Center's "Gameat El Nahdet El Alamea wel Thaqafiya"
15 Mahrani street, behind the Jesuit School, Faggala
close to Shohadaa metro stop

Sunday, October 30, 2011

"HASSAN WE NAIMA" (Hassan and Naima) at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, 6:00 PM
1959
Directed by Henry Barakat
Featuring: Soad Hosny, Moharam Foad
Arabic with English subtitles.
Duration: 100 minutes

The story of Hassan and Naima is an old Egyptian folk story talking about the impossible love between two lovers. Hassan is a poor singer in a folk troupe, performing on weddings. Naima is the daughter of a rich village elder, betrothed to Atwa who only wants to marry her because of her father’s riches. Hassan comes to ask for Naima’s hand, but Atwa vows to kill him.

Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Monday, October 31, 2011

"MACISTE E LA REGINA DI SAMAR" (Hercules Against the Moon Men) at the Cinema al Fourn, Darb 17 18, 8:00 PM

When evil aliens from the Moon invade Earth seeking human sacrifice, it's up to Hercules to save the day. However, Hercules is unaware that the Moon Men are in cahoots with the sultry Queen of Samar, who, in a diabolical twist, has arranged to work with the Moon Men in return for being granted ultimate power! Watch as the mighty Greek legend engages evil aliens, topples terrifying stone monsters, confronts mysterious pulsing orbs, and wards off the dangerous advances of a voluptuous femme fatale.

LISZT RECITAL with MOHAMED SHAMS

The brilliant young Egyptian pianist Mohamed Shams will be performing on Sunday November 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM in the Golden Hall of the Mohamed Ali Palace in Manial. The program will be entirely dedicated to Franz Liszt. For a biography of Mohamed Shams (who recently won the Bryden Thomson Prize) and a complete program of the evening, click here.

This concert is an event not to be missed for classical music fans (and not ... good music is good music), not only for the musical quality to be expected from the performance itself, but also because it will mark the return to activity, after January's revolution, of the International Music Center, an organization that has brought to Cairo in the past many fantastic musicians and provided for memorable concerts. Welcome back, and may the tradition continue.

 

EXHIBITION "La Suisse plurielle - Switzerland and migration"

„La Suisse plurielle – Switzerland and migration“, is an exhibition of texts and photos about migrants living in Switzerland, by Swiss photographers Ursula Markus, Edouard Rieben and Pierre Antoine Grisoni. It is organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt and displayed at the Legacy Gallery, AUC Tahrir Square, until November 19, 2011.

In connection with this exhibition, the Embassy of Switzerland is organizing on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9.30 PM at the Oriental Hall of AUC in Tahrir Square, the event “From Switzerland to Egypt, Integration through Chocolate?, four Stories of Migration”. The purpose of this event is to give the audience the possibility to understand better what it means to migrate to Egypt from Switzerland and vice versa. Four witnesses will relate their stories of integration. To be sure, the audience is invited as well to share his/her experience. The event is open to the public.

For more information, please contact the Swiss Embassy in Cairo.