Royal Theatre Opening: A Cultural Milestone in Rabat
In a splendid celebration of art and culture, Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem, and Lalla Hasnaa were joined by Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, for the grand opening of the Royal Theatre in Rabat on Wednesday evening. This significant event marks not only the inauguration of a vital cultural landmark but also the culmination of efforts to enhance the artistic landscape of Morocco. The Princesses, along with Lalla Hasnaa in her role as President of the Royal Theatre Foundation, were warmly welcomed by members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors before taking their seats in the Royal Box, setting a tone of elegance and reverence for the evening ahead.
The opening night commenced with a film presentation that underscored the Royal Theatre’s importance as a beacon of Rabat’s cultural and artistic revitalization. Following the stirring performance of the national anthem by an orchestra and choir, attendees were treated to an extraordinary musical program featuring an array of Moroccan talent. Distinguished pianist Marouan Benabdallah showcased a classical repertoire, while mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi enchanted the audience with powerful operatic arias. Additionally, Samira Kadiri honored the rich Arab-Andalusian heritage, and composer Driss El Maloumi introduced a contemporary piece on the oud, deeply inspired by Moroccan sounds.
This diverse program created a beautiful dialogue between universal classical music, including works by renowned composers such as Tchaikovsky, Bizet, and Verdi, and the rich traditions of Moroccan and Andalusian music. The collaboration reached new heights as the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra, nearing its 30th anniversary, joined forces for the first time with the Royal Symphony Orchestra, celebrating 20 years of artistic contributions. Under the baton of conductor Dina Bensaïd, the combined forces of 76 musicians and 40 choristers delivered a breathtaking performance that resonated with the audience.
As the evening drew to a close, the Princesses and Brigitte Macron engaged with several artists, including Samira Kadiri, Ahlima Mhamdi, pianist Marouan Benabdallah, composer Driss El Maloumi, and Younes Terfas, Director of the Royal Symphony Orchestra. This meeting of minds highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the cultural scene in Morocco.
The Royal Theatre, strategically located in the picturesque Bouregreg Valley, near the iconic Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, stands as a testament to Rabat’s transformation under the 'Rabat City of Light' development program. This initiative reflects Morocco’s aspiration to place culture at the forefront of its national identity and development strategy, making the Royal Theatre a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and forward-looking vision.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
