The cultural activities have started gradually to reopen in the country. The reopening has included theatres, museums, galleries, national circus, which operate under the culture ministry. In its first stage, the resumption of activities will be open at only 25 percent audience capacity across all venues The American University in Cairo Mon 8, 1pm: In celebration of International Women's Day, two of Cairo's best female musicians: Elena Grechenko (piano) and Tsvetelina Kristeva (violin) will perform works written by female composers living in different countries and at different times. The composers are united by talent, depth of musical thinking and subtle lyricism. Most of the pieces in the programme will be performed in Egypt for the first time. The livestreaming link and the concert programme will be posted soon on the event Facebook page: https://fb.me/e/17NfChueP
Arab Music Institute 22 Ramsis St, Tel 02 2574 3373 Sat 6, 8pm: The Arab Music Heritage Ensemble performs classical Arab songs. Thurs 11, 8pm: A singing recital by Mohamed Altoukhy.
Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Muaaz St, Al-Darb Al-Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Sunday, 7.30pm: The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, conducted by Abdel-Rahman Al-Shafaai, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Every Friday, 7pm: “Al-Aragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel” (The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat.
Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Thurs 4 and Fri 5, 8pm: The Cairo Opera Company and the Cairo Opera Orchestra, conducted by Elio Orciuolo, present Un Ballo in Maschera three-act opera. Among the major works by Giuseppe Verdi, this production of the Cairo Opera House will see the participation of Dario Divietri (tenor), Pietro Terranova (baritone), Carmine Colangeli (choir master), Erminia Kamel (choreographer) and Davide Dellisanti (vocal coach) (Arabic and English translation on stage). Sat 6, 8pm: The Cairo Symphony Orchestra. Sun 7, 8pm: The Abdel-Halim Noweira Arab Music Ensemble in a repertoire of classical Arab songs. Mon 8 and Tues 9, 8pm: Pianist Omar Khairat, accompanied by the Cairo Opera Orchestra. Thurs 11, 8pm: Celebrating the birth anniversary of singer-cum-composer Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, Syrian singer Safwan Bahlawan performs the best of Abdel-Wahab in a concert, conducted by maestro Selim Sahab. The concert also features singer Maye Farouk. Open-Air Theatre Fri 5, 8pm: Religious chanting by Sheikh Mahmoud Altohamy. Thurs 11, 8pm: Three Brothers band features Hour, Mohamed and Masa. Small Hall Thurs 4, 8pm: Singer Hazem Shahin and his band. Fri 5, 8pm: Al Nour Wa Al Amal Orchestra, conducted by maestro Mohamed Saad Basha. Sun 7, 8pm: Bassoon recital by Tamer Fahmy. Mon 8, 8pm: Oboe and violin recital by Wessam Ahmed and Laura.
Al-Gumhouriya Theatre 12 Al-Gumhouriya St, Abdin, Tel 02 2390 7707 Thurs 4, 8pm The National Arab Music Ensemble performs classical Arab songs. Sat 6 and Sun 7, 8pm: Forsan Al Sharq for Heritage Company. Thurs 11, 8pm: Celebrating Prophet Mohamed (P.B.U.H)'s ascension to Heaven, Al-Enshad Al-Dini troupe performs religious chants.
Al-Ghouri Caravansary Mohamed Abdou St, off Al-Muaaz St and Al-Azhar St, Tel 02 2514 7475 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7.30pm).
Italian Cultural Institute Mon 8, 7pm (Free Online): On the occasion of the International Women's Day, the institute presents an exclusive jazz concert by the Italian eclectic artist Rita Marcotulli. The pianist Enrico Pieranunzi is back in streaming, from 1 to 28 March 2021 with a series of unpublished concerts entitled “Art of the Duo”. The concerts are will be visible on demand on the websites www.internationalmusic.it and www.enricopieranunzi.it
Room Art Space & Café 10 Etehaad Al Mohamin St, Garden City, Tel 01000 681539 Thurs 4, 9pm: The Gypsy Jazz Project presents an extraordinary mixture of Up-swinging, Waltzy and sometimes quite tranquil and ballad-ish music. New Cairo, The Spot Mall Fri 5, 8.30pm: Violin night with Amr Darwish. Sat 6, 8pm: Enjoy a special oriental singing and oud night. Sun 7, 9pm: Stand-up comedy night by Comedy Bunker Vol. 26. Mon 8, 9pm: Modern/Classical pop songs event with singer and composer Khaled Helmy, a fine tour through his original tracks with a bunch of Arabic famous pop modern and classical songs, featuring his band, delivering eastern and western fusion. Tues 9, 9pm: Tunes of Egyptian Movies with Rowan Maher.
El-Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, under the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 02 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 (No entry without a mask and the hall will be open at only 25 percent audience capacity) River Hall Thurs 4, 6 and 8pm: El-Sawy Culturewheel Puppet Theatre show revives the concerts of Umm Kolthoum performing two of her much-loved songs. Fri 5, 6.30pm: Live rock music by Vyrus band. Sat 6, 7pm: Arab music concert by Creative band. Sun 7, 6.30pm: A singing recital by Mark Boshra and Ahmed Yasser. Mon 8, 7pm: Dorgy band performs contemporary Egyptian songs. Tues 9, 8pm: Singer Wael Alfashny. Wed 10, 8pm: Fourati River Ensemble performs classical Arab music. Thurs 11, 7pm: Religious chanting by Waslet Samaa troupe. Wisdom Hall Wed 10, 7pm: Piano recital by David Edgar.
ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106 Thurs 4, 8pm: Sound Track Orchestra, led by Mohamed Barakat. Fri 5, 8pm: Celebrating Prophet Mohamed (P.B.U.H)'s ascension to Heaven, Al-Enshad Al-Dini troupe performs religious chants. Sat 6, 8pm: Alexandria Opera String Orchestra. Sun 7, 8pm: A singing recital by Ahmed Al-Haggar. Thurs 11, 8pm: Alexandria Opera Company for Arab Music and Singing.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 4 March, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
