c. In order to be more than just a place where music and art are performed the National Cultural Centre wants to give space to learning and inspiration, to the exchange of ideas, the respect of a common cultural heritage, and a shared passion for the arts. It encourages interest for music and art in the younger generation by offering ballet, voice or instrumental classes for talented children or youths. Performances of ballet, operatic or symphonic works are staged with Egyptian companies or in cooperation with foreign ensembles or soloists. Seminars and cultural conferences covering a wide range of artistic and intellectual issues are held regularly. Opera House companies are frequently sent on tours to different Egyptian governorates to give the people in urban areas the chance to see national and international art performances. In March 1985, Former President Mubarak laid the first corner stone of the new Cairo Opera House which was to be built with the support of JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Careful planning by the Ministry of Culture in Cairo and the JICA produced a design suggestive of traditional Islamic architecture and blending in harmoniously with the surrounding buildings. In October 1988,Former President Mubarak and His Highness, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the younger brother of the Japanese Emperor, inaugurated the National Cultural Centre “Cairo Opera House” in a remarkable ceremony. It was the first time for Japan to stage a Kabuki show, a traditional popular drama with singing and dancing, in Africa or the Arab World. Thus, the joint efforts of Japan and Egypt have given rise to a unique landmark of aesthetic and cultural interest. The Cairo Opera House is a cultural landmark renowned for leadership, excellence and imagination. It has carved itself a significant place in the cultural landscape of Egypt and the Middle East. Its mission is to:
- Provide first-class productions of ballet, operatic and symphonic works.
- Encourage cooperation with other opera companies and orchestras.
- Discover and develop the most talented young artists in Egypt.
- Support learning, innovation and creativity.
- Provide excellent venues, facilities and services to both artists and the audience. With its appealing mix of high-quality cultural events and its unique venues and state-of-the-art facilities the Cairo Opera House is exceptionally well-suited to fulfill its mission and be-come a symbol of art and culture in Egypt and the world.
