For Eden and me, one of the unexpected pleasures of living in Cairo has been the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a thriving cultural environment. We have enjoyed all of the different forms of art and culture that Cairo offers, and have especially enjoyed getting to know the unique institution of the Cairo Opera House, where we have attended many beautiful concerts and art exhibitions over the past four years.
Americans believe that culture is good for us as human beings. It helps us be more civilized and to respect one another. Making or participating in culture and art is by its nature a shared activity that encourages communication and empathy among otherwise isolated individuals. It fosters respect, compassion, understanding, and joy. This makes it possible for humans to work together in joint activities of shared benefit; helping us live together peaceably despite differences of origin, belief, or economic status. That’s why our embassy here and US embassies around the world put so much effort into supporting cultural activities of all forms.
Among the different arts, music has a special communicative power. By its nature, it transcends languages and geography. It’s called the common language of mankind, and research says it preceded written and even spoken language by tens of thousands of years. Animals communicate and work together through tones and rhythms, and so do people. Music is a bottomless depth with worlds of treasures.
It is those musical depths that we have so enjoyed exploring at Dar al-Opera. And for us that is why supporting the Opera House and the Cairo Opera is so important to us. As an embassy we have enjoyed bringing American musicians to Cairo to perform at the Opera House and other cultural venues around the country. It’s exciting that so many Egyptians share this belief and work so hard to support cultural activities. The best part of this hard work is that it’s fun to do.
The Cairo “Friends of the Opera” organization plays a key role in supporting Egyptian art, music, and culture. We are proud and happy to support you and your activities on behalf of the Opera, and to welcome you to the US Ambassador’s residence which we want to be a locus of culture, enterprise, and peace-making that brings together Americans and Egyptians of all origins.
We are graced tonight to be able to listen to the beautiful voice and performance of Gala el-Hadidi accompanied by the piano virtuosity of David Hales. Gala is "the personification" of how music transcends borders "and geography." Born "a proud Egyptian," she received musical training in Egypt, "the United States," "and Europe," now offering her talents across continents including Egypt itself as well as Europe or America alike while David who hails from UK shares his talent within Egypt since years ago thus making both presence highly appreciated tonight!
A lot goes behind organizing such events notably involving not just Eden but also Friends Of The Operas' Shahira Al Katcha alongside numerous Embassy offices led via protocol office backed up public affairs security facilities general services amongst others without whom nothing close scale would’ve been achievable furthermore Eventers production company responsible creating stunning stage lighting adding touch Mirela Odobasic official residence staff whose contributions cannot overlooked ensuring everything runs smoothly overall truly grateful everyone involved indeed!
We’ve been fortunate enough forge new friendships thanks largely due music artistry hence why honored having guests present amidst festive holiday decorations wishing everyone merry Christmas happy New Year ahead!