Anniversary of the Khedive's Opera House
Egypt, History, 11/1/2000

t's hardly possible to speak of the favours bestowed on Egypt by the Khedive Ismail, known as "the great", without recalling the Royal Opera House. The Opera is one of the great memorials to his spirit of modernization, and to his aim of creating an atmosphere of modern civilization covering all aspects of science, education and culture.

In 1869 Khedive Ismail gave instructions to erect an Opera House on the occasion of the inauguration of the Suez Canal. It was called Khedivial (Royal) Opera House. Two architects, Afosconi and Rossi, designed the Opera House, built of wood, which was completed in six months with a capacity of 850 persons, and at cost of LE 1.6 million.

The opera building was designed to the elegant and rich Roccoco and Baroque style. The interior was decorated with high-style artwork and ornaments.

Before the building had been completed, Khedive Ismail thought that the premiere performance on the new Opera House should reflect glimpses of Ancient Egyptian history.

Therefore, French archaeologist Fernand Francois Marriet was commissioned to provide a concept for the proposed Opera, which was later developed into a prose work by Campel de L'ocle and into a poetic opera in Italian by Italian poet "Antonio Gizlonzoni. The Opera was then composed by famous Italian composer Verdi.

However, Aida had not been ready by the inauguration of the Opera House. Therefore, another masterpiece by Verdi; Rigoletto was performed on the occasion. Opera Aida itself was performed two years later on December 24th, 1871.

A host of political leaders and dignitaries from all parts of Europe, including Empress Eugenie of France, Emperor Francois Joseph of Austria, among others, were invited to the inaugural ceremony for both the Suez Canal and Opera House.

The Opera House was the first in Africa, where famous world Opera and symphonic masterpieces were performed.

Previous Stories:
  Restoring the historical sites related to the the prophet's kins   (10/27/2000)
  Signing of evacuation treaty October 19, 1954   (10/19/2000)
  Anniversary of el-Gharbiya governorate national day   (10/7/2000)

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