On a night scented with love and embraced by the dazzling Fountain Theater at the Opera House, the celebratory scene of internationally renowned composer Omar Khairat’s concert was purely human before it was musical. As he stepped onto the stage, time itself seemed to pause in contemplation. Faces had gathered to share his evening. With his calm smile, he waved in more than one direction, sending kisses into the air across every corner of the theater, as if determined for his greeting to reach the very last seat. With the simplicity his audience knows well, he said, “You light up the place… and happy Valentine’s Day to you all.” A brief phrase that carried immense warmth, summarizing long years of connection between an exceptional artist and an audience whose memories and emotions are deeply intertwined with his melodies. From the very first moment, any distance between the stage and the seats disappeared. He responded to the applause and cheers with gestures of gratitude worthy of the admiration he received. He exchanged glances and smiles with the audience, thanking them with sincere, simple signs—in a scene that affirmed that true greatness does not require the noise of spectacle; it is sustained by genuine emotion and mutual respect. Khairat’s Blown Kisses to the Audience “An exceptional love” — the atmosphere was fully prepared for a journey into the depths of the soul. The melodies flowed with calm confidence, and the music unfolded through compositions that have become part of the Egyptian and Arab collective consciousness. Emotions soared with tunes such as Zay El Hawa, The Night of Arresting Fatma, and 100 Years of Cinema, among others—works that have become timeless milestones in the lives of different generations. The spirit of Valentine’s Day blended seamlessly with the genius of composition, transforming the evening into an extended emotional state defined by loyalty, sensitivity, and sincerity. From its very beginning, the deeper message was clear: an artist of Omar Khairat’s stature sends a heartfelt salute of appreciation, affirming that true art begins with respect for the audience.

With drama, cinema, and the emotions of entire generations, and with every note, the audience fully merged between moments of attentive silence and enthusiastic applause that filled the hall. It felt as though each musical piece told a shared story between the audience and the orchestra. Kheirat’s concert presented a well-balanced program that combined his most famous works with compositions carrying deep human emotion, reaffirming his ability to manage the concert’s emotional rhythm naturally, without exaggeration or affectation, relying solely on the power of music itself to influence the audience. AlUla, a city that has become one of the most prominent cultural hubs in the Arab world, provided a unique space for an artist who, throughout his long career, has transformed film scores and orchestral melodies into a shared language between himself and his audience. ★ Amid moments of focused listening and continuous applause, AlUla’s theater witnessed an exceptional evening with composer Omar Khairat. Seated behind the piano, he reintroduced his classical works, needing only a few breaths before the audience began responding with admiration and amazement. Among the spontaneous remarks heard: “Every time, Omar Khairat makes us discover him anew.” It was a rich and vibrant night, during which he understood how to let music speak in his place, with the piano turning into an instrument that narrates every detail of human emotion. The concert witnessed unprecedented interaction with his works, which transcended being mere musical compositions to become part of a collective memory tied to people’s feelings.

After experiencing a recent health setback, renowned composer Omar Khairat reassured his fans that his condition is stable, noting that doctors advised him to rest in order to fully recover. Khairat expressed his happiness about the recent concerts, saying: “I was very happy to be part of this exceptional moment.” In an extraordinary evening that brought together history and music, Omar Khairat delivered one of his most remarkable performances during the official opening of one of the largest and newest heritage revitalization projects in the heart of Historic Cairo—the inauguration of Fustat Hills. The project reflects the state’s vision of reintroducing historic areas in a contemporary form that preserves the spirit of the place while creating a cultural and recreational space that brings together nature, antiquities, and the arts. The musical evening unfolded in a magical atmosphere, where melodies blended seamlessly with the site’s stunning visual scenery, enhanced by modern lighting that harmonized with the area’s natural terrain and its renewed visual identity. This fusion offered the audience a complete sensory experience, described by many as an evening worthy of the site’s history and the grandeur of Egyptian music. Khairat added that the love and presence he witnessed reaffirmed that the Egyptian audience is always the true hero behind any artistic work, and that modern development does not erase the authenticity of a place, but rather highlights its beauty. He emphasized that this area is destined to become a well-deserved center for arts and culture.

Pure Egyptian melodies flowed through the halls of the Qatar Opera House, reflecting the emotional impact of national creativity on the Arab world, as the activities of the Arab Opera Festival began. The Egyptian Opera was chosen as the Guest of Honor for the festival’s first edition, in recognition of its historic legacy in the Arab region. Following the approval of the nomination by the Ministry of Culture, the opening concert featured the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Ahmed El-Saidi. At the opening ceremony, the renowned composer Omar Khairat was honored in appreciation of his artistic career and his outstanding contributions to the field of music. The event was attended by members of the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Doha, along with a distinguished group of officials, public figures, and a large audience from the Egyptian community and Arab attendees. ■ Khairat receives his honor at the festival The symphony orchestra reaffirmed the leadership of Egypt’s cultural heritage and highlighted the excellence of Egyptian creativity by performing a selection of film soundtracks composed by Omar Khairat for iconic cinematic works. These included “Soft Hands” and “Palace of Desire”, amid warm applause and widespread acclaim from the audience. The ceremony also featured speeches by Dr. Khaled Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Katara Cultural Village, and Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). They emphasized that the opening ceremony included a documentary presentation showcasing the history of opera in Egypt, from the inauguration of the Khedivial Opera House in 1869 to the establishment of the Egyptian Opera House, highlighting its most significant performances. Another film documented the artistic journey of Omar Khairat. The evening also included solo performances on the oud by artist Ali Ismail, as well as harp performances, string ensembles, and musical pieces by Ammar El-Sherei. The program featured celebrated works such as “Laylat Al-Qabd Ala Fatima” and “Duaa Al-Karawan”, creating deeply emotional moments for the audience. The tribute to Omar Khairat was presented by Khaled Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Katara Cultural Village, and Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of ALECSO, in recognition of his enduring influence on Arab music.