The esteemed Royal Highnesses, Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem, and Lalla Hasnaa, alongside Madame Brigitte Macron, graced the opening night of the Royal Theater in Rabat on Wednesday. This iconic venue represents the unwavering dedication of His Majesty King Mohammed VI towards the arts and culture, showcasing Morocco's commitment to cultural renaissance and artistic expression.
Before taking their places in the Royal Box to enjoy the performance, the royal princesses and Madame Macron were warmly welcomed by the members of the Board of Directors of the Royal Theater Foundation. The evening commenced with a film presentation highlighting the Royal Theater's significance as a cultural and artistic beacon in the Moroccan capital. This institution embodies the cultural revival and dynamism that Morocco experiences under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who promotes a modernist approach to Moroccan art, thereby enhancing the creative capacities of the nation.
This unique architectural and urban landmark positions Rabat among the premier cultural destinations worldwide, propelled by the visionary guidance of the King. It further solidifies Morocco's role as a land of intercultural dialogue, civilizational interaction, and affirmation of universal values and ideals. Following the performance of the national anthem by the orchestra and choir, attendees were treated to an exceptional musical moment featuring soloist Marouan Benabdallah, mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi, and the talented Samira Kadiri, who presented an interpretation of the Arab-Andalusian heritage, along with Driss El Maloumi, a composer and oud virtuoso, delivering a contemporary piece inspired by Moroccan sounds.
This concert, exclusively showcasing Moroccan artists, provided a brilliant artistic and human experience where composers, soloists, singers, choristers, conductors, and musicians united to celebrate the richness, excellence, and diversity of the national artistic scene, which remains creative and open to various global musical expressions. The evening featured Tchaikovsky's concerto and melodies from Bizet and Verdi intertwined with Andalusian themes and a contemporary Moroccan creation, creating a sublime dialogue between universal repertoire and national heritage.
In a historic first, the night marked an exceptional collaboration between the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating its thirty years, and the Royal Symphony Orchestra, commemorating two decades of existence. Under the direction of Dina Bensaïd, 76 musicians and 40 choristers harmonized their talents in a shared artistic endeavor. At the conclusion of the performance, the Royal Highnesses were acknowledged by notable figures including soprano Samira Kadiri, mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi, conductor Dina Bensaïd, pianist Marouan Benabdallah, composer Driss El Maloumi, and Younes Terfas, the director of the Royal Symphony Orchestra.
Hundreds of artists, cultural actors, intellectuals, and creators from both Moroccan and international backgrounds were invited to this grand opening, alongside representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Rabat, including ambassadors and diplomatic mission officials. Situated in the heart of the Bouregreg Valley, alongside the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Theater of Rabat stands as a symbol of the renewal and emergence of the capital. It aligns with the integrated development program titled 'Rabat, City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture,' initiated under the enlightened guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has established culture as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's development and progress.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
