Closing Night of the 34th Citadel International Festival for Music and Singing
24 August 2026
The 34th Citadel International Festival for Music and Singing, organized by the Cairo Opera House under the supervision of Dr. Reda El-Wakil, came to a spectacular close yesterday, Monday, August 24.
The festival’s final evening unfolded on the Al-Mahka Theatre before a vast and enthusiastic audience, with acclaimed star Medhat Saleh with maestro Amr Selim and his ensemble Qasa’ed Al Nour . Saleh captivated the audience with a selection of his celebrated repertoire, including, as well as a selection of works from the Arab music, which he performed with his signature artistry and expressive style.
In a particularly moving tribute, Saleh dedicated a passage from “Ay Dmou’ Hozn “(Any Tear of Sorrow), one of the timeless songs associated with the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez, to the name and memory of the late star Hany Shaker. The gesture was met with an enthusiastic response from the audience, in recognition of Shaker’s outstanding artistic contribution and distinguished career.
Maestro Amr Selim also delivered a brilliant performance, presenting a selection of pieces that brought an atmosphere of joy and celebration to the evening.
The opening part of the concert featured acclaimed marimba virtuoso Nesma Abdel Aziz, known as the “Princess of Percussion,” who presented a vibrant musical tableau blending traditional and contemporary sounds. Her performance included a selection of Arab and Western compositions, reimagined through her distinctive arrangements and virtuosic marimba playing.
