Ashraf AboArafe
The Cairo Opera House stage shimmered last night with music, passion, and celebration, as audiences gathered for a gala concert marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Egypt.
At the heart of the evening was the long-awaited Egyptian debut of world-renowned Korean soprano Sumi Jo, whose powerful voice and graceful presence captivated the hall. She was joined by Egyptian bass Reda El-Wakil and tenor Amr Medhat, performing alongside the Cairo Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ahmed El-Saedi.
The program carried the audience on a journey across continents and centuries — from Festive Overture and La Fille du Régiment to the soul-stirring Arirang Rhapsody and the timeless Casta Diva. Global classics infused with a Korean spirit created a rare atmosphere of unity and harmony.
Organized by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Culture and the Cairo Opera House, the concert drew distinguished guests including Ambassador Omar Selim, advisor to the Minister of Culture, senior officials, diplomats, and ambassadors.
In his remarks, H.E. Kim Yonghyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, expressed his joy:
“I believe that everyone present must have felt the same sense of grandeur and pride that I did. Indeed, without the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two nations, such a remarkable occasion would not have been possible.”
Ambassador Selim emphasized that the event was not only a tribute to the past but also a pledge for the future of cultural exchange and cooperation between Egypt and Korea.
For her part, Sumi Jo shared heartfelt admiration for Egypt, calling it a land of extraordinary history and rich culture. She said she feels at home each time she visits and treasures performing with Egypt’s remarkable musicians.
Maestro Ahmed El-Saedi underlined that the evening itself was proof of how classical music can bridge cultures and deepen friendships between nations.
The concert marked another milestone in Sumi Jo’s glittering career, which has graced the world’s greatest opera houses — from the Metropolitan Opera in New York and La Scala in Milan to Covent Garden in London and the Paris Opera. A Grammy Award winner, she was also awarded France’s highest cultural honor this year, the Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
The gala was one highlight of a broader series of events celebrating 30 years of Korea–Egypt relations, which will continue with an economic seminar, Korea’s National Day celebration in October, and the Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship. Together, these events extend the spirit of friendship — where culture, dialogue, and tradition intertwine like two rivers joining in song.
