Their Royal Highnesses Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem and Lalla Hasnaa, accompanied by Brigitte Macron, attended the opening performance of the Royal Theater of Rabat on Wednesday evening.
The Princesses, together with Mrs Macron, were received upon arrival by members of the Board of Directors of the Royal Theater of Rabat Foundation, of which Princess Lalla Hasnaa is President, before proceeding to the Royal Box to watch the inaugural show.
The ceremony opened with a documentary film presenting the Royal Theater of Rabat as a cultural institution reflecting the artistic and cultural transformation of Morocco's capital and the country's investment in creative industries.
Following the screening, the orchestra and choir performed the Moroccan national anthem, after which the audience was treated to a musical programme showcasing a range of classical, operatic, Andalusian and contemporary Moroccan compositions.
The programme featured pianist Marouan Benabdallah performing works from the classical repertoire, mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi interpreting major operatic arias, and singer Samira Kadiri performing pieces from the Arab-Andalusian tradition. Composer and oud player Driss El Maloumi presented a contemporary work inspired by Moroccan musical heritage.
The concert brought together, for the first time, the Morocco Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Symphony Orchestra.
The joint ensemble, comprising 76 musicians and 40 choristers, performed under the direction of conductor and concert pianist Dina Bensaïd.
Selections from the universal classical repertoire, including works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet and Verdi, were presented alongside Andalusian motifs and contemporary Moroccan compositions, blending international musical traditions with national heritage.
At the end of the performance, Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem and Lalla Hasnaa, accompanied by Brigitte Macron, greeted the participating artists, including Samira Kadiri, Ahlima Mhamdi, Dina Bensaïd, Marouan Benabdallah, Driss El Maloumi and Younes Terfas, Director of the Royal Symphony Orchestra.
The event was attended by Moroccan and international artists, cultural figures, intellectuals, and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat, including ambassadors, chargés d'affaires and officials of international organisations.
Located in the Bouregreg Valley, near the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Theater of Rabat forms part of a broader urban and cultural development that includes the Mohammed VI Tower. The project contributes to positioning Rabat as a major cultural destination and supporting its role within the “Rabat, City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture” development programme.
---GNA
UG, KNUST and UCC lecturers to withdraw services over unpaid promotion arrears
Mahama begins Eastern Region tour with May Day address and key projects
Free Zones boss alleges political sabotage in Akosombo sub-station fire
Family demands justice for man lynched over witchcraft allegations in Kpandai
Two mortuary security guards die hours apart on duty in Suhum
We will expand the economy to create jobs and prosperity — Mahama
Lead a final onslaught on galamsey — TUC urges Mahama
Akosombo substation fire an opportunity to modernise power infrastructure — Maha...
Macroeconomic stability incomplete if it does not improve livelihoods — TUC
Fuel prices dip slightly as OMCs adjust rates for May window
