Umm Kulthum Tribute, The Cairo Symphonic Orchestra

Celebrate Umm Kulthum’s legacy with the Cairo Opera Orchestra in a grand tribute at the Philharmonie de Paris in February 2025.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Umm Kulthum’s passing, the Philharmonie de Paris presents a landmark tribute to the Egyptian Diva, one of the most iconic figures in Arabic music history. On 2 February, 2025, the Cairo Opera Orchestra, under the direction of Alaa Abdelsalam, will perform in the Grande Salle Pierre Boulez, honoring Umm Kulthum’s timeless artistry and cultural legacy.

This exceptional concert features renowned vocalists Rehab Omar and Iman Abdel-Ghani, who bring their mastery and passion to Umm Kulthum’s greatest works. Audiences will be transported by performances of masterpieces like Hadihi Laylati and Alf Leila Wa Leila, blending the intimate beauty of traditional Arabic instrumentation with the grandeur of orchestral arrangements.

Umm Kulthum, known as “The Star of the Orient,” captivated audiences with her extraordinary vocal range and improvisational brilliance. Her music evolved from traditional takht ensembles to orchestral compositions enriched by Western instruments, creating immersive “long songs” that resonate across cultures and generations.

This tribute, filmed by acclaimed director Stéphane Jourdain, will be available in full and 90-minute formats, showcasing high-definition visuals and the full grandeur of the event. More than a concert, this is a celebration of Umm Kulthum’s enduring influence, uniting audiences through the universal power of her music. Don’t miss this historic performance that pays homage to an artist whose legacy continues to inspire the world.

English title Oum Kalthoum Tribute by Cairo Symphonic Orchestra
Genre Classical, Global Music
Recording location Philharmonie de Paris
Production year 2025
Duration 90'
Video format 4K
TV Director Stéphane Jourdain
Distribution TV Auditorium Films
Conductor Alaa Abdelsalam
Soloist Rehab Omar
Soloist Iman Abdel-Ghani
Orchestra / Band Cairo Opera Orchestra