Cairo: Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno praised the Cairo Opera House as a symbol of cultural identity and artistic excellence, marking its 37th anniversary in a major celebration attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai, and a large audience of opera fans and art lovers.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister spoke at the event, describing the opera house as a renewed message of Egypt’s enduring role as a hub for beauty and civilization. He announced that next year’s June 30 Revolution celebration would be held at the new Sixth of October City Opera branch.

Hanno hailed the Opera House as a pillar of Egypt’s soft power and a reflection of its artistic legacy, noting its roots in the historic Khedivial Opera, Africa’s first opera house, opened in 1869. He acknowledged the role of Former Culture Minister Farouk Hosny, who spearheaded the modern Opera House project, and thanked Japan for its support in its establishment.

Opera House Head Alaa Abdel Salam stated that the institution has become a leading cultural hub over nearly four decades, bridging Egypt’s artistic heritage with global contemporary arts. He highlighted its diverse programming in Arabic and classical music, opera, and ballet, and its outreach efforts through a talent development center for young artists.

The celebration featured musical and ballet performances, a documentary film on the Opera House’s history, and a special invitation to visually impaired children from a local NGO, underscoring the institution’s community role.