Egyptian Opera House Chairman Reda El-Wakil resigned on October 1, 2026, hours after defending the institution’s limited budget at a press conference for the upcoming 34th Cairo International Festival for Arabic Music.
Budget Pressures and Festival Lineup Controversies
Festival organizers scheduled the event to run from October 20 to October 30, expanding the schedule to 11 nights. During the official press conference, Reda El-Wakil addressed the financial realities facing the national cultural landmark compared to neighboring nations.
El-Wakil explained that the institution operates under severe budgetary constraints when attempting to secure high-demand regional superstars. He pointed out that several other Arab countries possess vast financial resources that easily cover soaring artist fees, a luxury the Egyptian venue lacks. To bridge the gap, several prominent performers stepped in to support the institution. Amal Maher and Assi El Hallani donated their full performance fees entirely, while composer Omar Khairat agreed to take only half of his usual fee alongside his full orchestra.
Public Backlash and High-Profile Boycotts
The chairman’s blunt remarks at the press briefing triggered sharp criticism across the music community. Prominent figures took public exception to how the financial constraints were framed. Maestro Hani Farahat dismissed the commentary as irresponsible talk, while veteran vocalist Mohamed Tharwat announced he would boycott the upcoming festival edition, citing a refusal to accept what he viewed as disrespect toward Egyptian artists and national art.
At the same time, questions mounted regarding the absence of singer Ali El Haggar from the festival roster. El-Wakil addressed those concerns by pointing to El Haggar’s frequent appearances in recent months at the Citadel Festival, the Alexandria Summer Festival, and a major concert on September 11 celebrating the artist’s centennial singing project. The administration maintained that expanding the festival to 11 nights was intended to make room for a broader rotation of voices rather than signaling any personal dispute with El Haggar.
Sudden Resignation Over Artistic Independence
Hours after the press conference concluded, El-Wakil published a statement on his official social media account announcing his immediate resignation. He stated that while he possessed the capacity to enact meaningful administrative and cultural changes, he refused to compromise on his artistic appointments or accept external oversight regarding which performers he chose to support.
The abrupt exit cuts short a tenure aimed at reforming institutional habits. In his farewell message, El-Wakil expressed hope that his colleagues would maintain the behavioral shifts he instituted, while confirming his willingness to return to the stage simply as a collaborating artist and colleague.
Tribute Plans for the 34th Festival Edition
Festival organizers designated the entire upcoming program as a tribute to the legacy of the late Arab singing star Hani Shakir, who serves as the central honoree of the year.
The opening night on October 20 will feature a dedicated commemorative celebration where vocalists Nada Moussa and Nevin Ragab will perform classic selections from Shakir’s catalog. The institution also announced plans to honor several other cultural contributors, including the late poet Reda Amin, composer Mokhtar El Sayed, artist Tarek Fouad, and flute player Samir Rashad.
