Since the founding of the Cairo Opera Orchestra in 1994, it has played a main role in Egypt's music scene. The orchestra's repertoire includes a vast number of celebrated classic ballets and famous operas or operettas which are successfully performed with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company or the Cairo Opera Company. In 1995, Sherif Mohie El Din was appointed Orchestra Director, and the orchestra was joined by an increasing number of talented Egyptian musicians. Shortly afterwards, they appeared in a series of symphonic afternoon concerts under the name of "Music for All," which won instant acclaim. The orchestra has been headed by various Egyptian and international conductors. Among the soloists participating in the orchestra concerts are the renowned Monserrat Caballe, Wolfgang Marschner, Gisèle Herbet, Dame Malvina Mayor, as well as top Egyptian soloists. In addition to its important role in national tours, the orchestra was invited to several tours in countries such as Austria, Germany, France and Lebanon. In the 2002/2003 season, Nader Abbassi was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Cairo Opera Orchestra. He significantly advanced the orchestra’s skills by encouraging a versatile, professional approach to the performance of music. To broaden the skills of the musicians and solo singers, Abbassi added to the schedule orchestral performances, called Gala Concerts. Up to seven Gala Concerts of outstanding quality are performed each season. The Cairo Opera Orchestra participated in various famous ballets, operas and Gala Concerts including Verdi's epic "Aida," which was performed at the Pyramids platform. The orchestra collaborated with the Geneva Chamber Orchestra and the Spirit of Europe Orchestra in two Gala Concerts and participated in some of the world's most renowned music festivals such as Ludwigshafen, Germany, Servantino and Tamaulipas Festivals in Mexico. In September 2007 the Orchestra was invited to perform a Mega Production of Aida in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece at the Forest Theatre. In October 2010 the Orchestra was invited by the "Royal Opera House Muscat" to give two Gala Concerts at Al Bustan Palace Auditorium in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman. By starting the new season (2011/2012) Nayer Nagui has been appointed artistic director and principal conductor at the Cairo Opera Orchestra. 
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