Egyptian Ambassador to Paris Ihab Badawy has attended the 10th Arabesque Festival for Arab World Art, which honors Om Kalthoum this year on the 40th anniversary of her passing.
In remarks to MENA news agency, Badawy praised the great success Om Kalthoum’s band has had over the years. It is affiliated to Egypt’s Opera House, has performed many concerts in Paris and Montpellier, has had a big role in boosting the cultural exchange between Egypt and France and has been a key element in reviving Arab music.
Badawy also added that Om Kalthoum represents a unique Egyptian national symbol in our modern history and that her art is admired by the French cultural medium.
The festival will host several symposia, as well as re-display the exhibition that was held in 2008 on Om Kalthoum. It will also display several photographs and other items of the singer.
The festival began on May 12 and will run until May 24 in Montpellier, France.
Edited translation from MENA
