From the Nile to Yangtze: Ancient rhythms forge new bonds at National Museum of Egyptian Civilization concert
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) came alive with a vibrant celebration of harmony and cross-cultural exchange as Egyptian and Chinese musicians performed a special concert.
Titled 'Conversation and Connection: Music Connects the World,' the event underscored music's profound ability to unite diverse cultures.
Co-presented by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Cairo, the heartwarming event drew prominent figures, guests, and artists from both countries to honor a rich, shared cultural tapestry.
The museum's CEO, Eltayeb Abbas, eloquently articulated the enduring bonds between Egypt and China, calling them two venerable civilizations whose rich histories spanning thousands of years
'Music is one of the most essential threads in the fabric of any civilization,' he said.
'Through music, we express both joy and sorrow, and it plays a vital role in our traditions, rituals, and day-to-day life. Across time, music has been a key channel for human connection, weaving us together even when separated by geography or language.'
Abbas also stressed the museum's commitment to honoring both Egypt's rich physical heritage and its intangible cultural treasures, including music, which serve as powerful unifying forces.
'It's every person's right, no matter where they are, to connect through the universal language of music,' he added, highlighting the museum's aim to enhance profound relations among all civilizations.
Chinese Ambassador Liao Liqiang reinforced these sentiments, celebrating both countries as ancient beacons of civilization.
He commended their enduring mutual respect and shared commitment to appreciating the rich diversity of global cultures.
Uniting civilizations
Liqiang pinpointed Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'Global Civilization Initiative,' a call to foster dialogue and learning between cultures – a stance strongly supported by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who recently stressed that 'Civilizations are meant to complement and benefit each other, not to create conflict or war.'
The ambassador also referenced Egypt's significant contribution to initiating the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, alongside its engagement in regional cooperation via the China-Arab Center for the Global Civilisation Initiative, in collaboration with the Arab League.
These collective efforts underscore the transformative promise of partnership in achieving global peace and understanding, he said.
The concert was a symphonic journey, one where Egyptian and Chinese musicians enchanted the audience with a captivating repertoire of authentic tunes and contemporary compositions.
Their performance vividly demonstrated how music constantly evolves, uniting new generations by blending timeless heritage with contemporary flair.
On the periphery of the concert, the Chinese Cultural Center hosted an inviting exhibit, showcasing a diverse range of their initiatives and cultural offerings, thereby encouraging attendees to explore Chinese heritage.
The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by an Egyptian tanoura performance, which earned enthusiastic acclaim from attendees spellbound by its dazzling visual spectacle and energetic rhythms.
These standout performances vividly encapsulated the evening's essence: a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange and collective appreciation.
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