Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Her Passing, The Ministry of Culture Designates 2025 as the Year of Umm Kulthum

Egypt Today

04-02-2025

The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as the Year of Umm Kulthum, launching a year-long tribute to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic singer's passing.
The initiative will feature concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events celebrating her lasting influence.
The Cairo Opera House will host several performances, including a major concert at the Philharmonie de Paris, where the Arab Music Orchestra, led by Maestro Alaa Abdel Salam, will accompany singers Rehab Omar and Eman Abdel Ghany.
In Egypt, the opera house will organize two special concerts at the Arab Music Institute and introduce a nationwide talent competition, Discovering Umm Kulthum 2025, to find young vocalists who capture her unique style.
The General Authority for Cultural Palaces will launch the Umm Kulthum Festival for Music and Singing in February, beginning in her hometown, Tamay El Zahayra.
The festival will feature a documentary screening, a storytelling workshop, an art exhibition, and performances by the Mansoura Arab Music Ensemble and folk troupes.
At the Cairo International Book Fair, a special section will be dedicated to Umm Kulthum, showcasing musical performances and an exhibition of rare documents and photographs at the National Library and Archives.
Additionally, the Umm Kulthum Museum in Cairo will offer free entry throughout February, displaying her items, photographs, and rare audio recordings.
The Cultural Development Fund will organize further events in Cairo and Alexandria, including a documentary screening and discussion at the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, two concerts at the Umm Kulthum Museum, and a seminar in Alexandria.
Children's workshops at the Beit Al-Aini Children's Creativity Centre will introduce younger generations to her remarkable legacy.