The Egyptian Opera House will ring in the New Year with a tribute too one of the Arab world’s most iconic voices.On January 1st, the Opera House, under the leadership of Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, will host “Om Kalthoum, Daughter of Egypt… A Sun That Never Sets,” the fourth installment in the “Spirits in the City” series presented by journalist Mahmoud El-Tamimy. The event, part of the broader “Cairo is my Title” cultural project, aims to preserve the legacy of the legendary singer and her enduring impact on Egyptian and Arabic culture.
The Egyptian Opera House, led by Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, will launch into 2026 with an evening from the “Spirits in the City” series, presented by journalist Mahmoud El-Tamimy. The event, titled “Om Kalthoum, Daughter of Egypt… A Sun That Never Sets,” is part of El-Tamimy’s cultural project, “Cairo is My Title,” and will take place at 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 1st, on the Small Theatre stage.
This gathering marks the fourth annual tribute to “The Star of the East,” Om Kalthoum, offering a journey of exploration and reflection into her creative works and the enduring memories and affection she holds in the hearts of many. The evening will also highlight her profound human and artistic impact across generations, her pivotal role in shaping Arabic singing, and a deep reading of the spiritual and national dimensions present in her timeless pieces.
The “Spirits in the City” series aims to preserve the national memory of Egyptians, and through it, the project “Cairo is My Title” was launched under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the Egyptian Opera House. This event underscores the continued reverence for iconic figures in Egyptian culture.
The Egyptian Opera House also recently hosted a concert, titled “Kalthoumiyat,” on the stage of the Arab Music Institute. The “Kalthoumiyat” concerts serve as a tribute to the lady of Arabic singing, Om Kalthoum, and are part of the Opera’s efforts to revive and disseminate Arabic musical heritage to new generations and youth, as an integral part of Egypt’s cultural and civilizational history.
Om Kalthoum began singing as a young child with her father at festivals and celebrations. In 1922, she moved to Cairo and formed her first musical ensemble in 1926. Her early career laid the foundation for a legendary musical journey.
Om Kalthoum attended the village school and memorized the Quran, learning to sing from her father at a young age. He would take her to celebrations, captivated by the power and beauty of her voice. She began performing at the age of twelve, often dressed in boys’ clothing, and was first heard by Judge Ali Bek Abu Hussein.
He recommended that her father nurture her talent, and she was subsequently mentored by Sheikh Abu al-Ala Muhammad and Sheikh Zakaria Ahmed, who were impressed by her voice. She then moved to Cairo to begin a journey of immortality, artistry, and global recognition.
