Karnak in Canada… A Successful Egyptian concert in Montreal with 17 Consuls Present

Written by Nour Sobhy

Montreal witnessed an extraordinary night where Egyptian culture shone in all its depth and beauty during the first gala celebrating the legacy of Umm Kulthum, Egyptian folklore, films about Egyptian civilization, Karnak Temple, and Egypt’s iconic landmarks. The audience from various nationalities was amazed by the performance, and the event was attended by 17 consuls from around the world, with music pieces by the renowned composer Amr Khairt.

A Journey to Egypt… An Evening that Lit Up Montreal

“Odysée en Égypte – A Journey to Egypt” was more than an artistic event; it was a celebration of identity, presence, and heritage. Egyptian art stood radiant and warm amidst Montreal’s cold weather, offering an unforgettable show.

Over 500 attendees gathered to experience a performance that brought back the scent of home, the warmth of the East, and the elegance of Egyptian tradition.

The event was organized by Melody Association, Maskan Association, and Maskan Academy for Talented Performers.

The evening began with a refined opening by Nour Sobhi in French, followed by Ahmed Bandak in the Egyptian dialect. Together, they welcomed the audience and the diplomatic guests, guiding them on a cultural journey that transported them across Egypt’s regions through music, dance, and folklore over a two-hour performance.

Diplomatic Presence of Unprecedented Scale

The hall was honored by the presence of more than 17 consuls from Tunisia, Iraq, Morocco, Japan, China, Greece, the United States, and other countries. This diplomatic presence reflected the international recognition of the event’s significance and the crucial role of the Egyptian community in Montreal’s cultural scene.

Egyptian Consul Ambassador Nabil Meki delivered a speech welcoming and supporting the initiative.
Cultural Attaché Dr. Ahmed Gaber expressed pride and inspiration from the event.
Professor Hani Metry also shared his delight and pride in the volunteers who contributed to showcasing the beauty of Egypt to the world.

A Musical Piece Created for the Occasion

One of the most remarkable moments was the musical composition by Tamer Hanna, specially created for the gala. It was accompanied by a video prepared and directed by Ahmed Bandak, featuring vibrant images of Egypt, including the Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and other historical and modern landmarks. The video felt like a heartfelt message from Egypt itself.

A Unified Team Behind the Success

The event’s success was the result of a dedicated team working together for two and a half months:

Miray Wasif – Executive Director

Rami Amin – Financial Advisor

Nour Sobhy – PR & Communications Director

Ahmed Bondok – Video Design & Editing

Mahi Mahmoud – Maestro & Stage Director

Tamer Hanna – Composer

Rasha Ibrahim & Mai El Atreby – Folkloric Dance Trainers & Choreographers

Team Members: Claudia, Mariam, Mirna

Choir: Ghada El Shaabi, Yasmin, Maggie, Eman

Each person contributed to weaving together the night’s success.

A Cultural Journey Across Egypt

From Alexandria to Upper Egypt…
From Luxor to Aswan…
From Bedouin dances to Oriental performances…
Each segment conveyed the essence of its region and narrated a story spanning thousands of years.

Honoring Umm Kulthum… The Eternal Voice

In the second part of the evening, the audience enjoyed a tribute to Umm Kulthum performed by Rania Hussein with the Nagham Al Sharq Orchestra. The performance revived memories of her timeless voice, which continues to resonate decades after her passing.

A Grand Finale of Surprises and Gifts

The gala concluded with a draw of 17 prizes sponsored by partners, along with a special musical surprise by Mahi Mahmoud, performing the soul-stirring song “Ya Aghla Ism Fil Wogood”. The audience left the venue with smiles full of pride, nostalgia, and joy, feeling as though they had traveled to Egypt without leaving Montreal.