The Cairo Opera House — A Vibrant Egyptian Cultural Institution

A respected Palm Beach County, Florida, business owner, Dr. Basim Elhabashy guides Marbella Oases, Inc., and provides laboratory urine testing services. A classical music and opera fan, Dr. Basim Elhabashy particularly enjoys taking in performances at the Cairo Opera House.

Opera in Egypt has a long, illustrious history that extends back to the 19th century. Classical music performances as a regular event took root in the 1950s with the establishment of the Cairo Opera Company and the Cairo Symphony Orchestra. The original center of classical music performances, the Khedivial Opera House, was destroyed by fire in 1971.

It was not until 1988, with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, that the current building, with its distinctive domed architecture, took its place. Reflecting the partnership that had allowed it to come into being, the opening night performance included a Japanese Kabuki theater piece.

Today, the Cairo Opera House is a vibrant hub for events sponsored by the National Cultural Center, ranging from operatic works to performances produced by the Heritage Ensemble for Arab Music.