Guest Artists
Hesham Nazih
is one of the Arab world’s most celebrated composers, acclaimed for blending Egyptian musical heritage with contemporary orchestral sound. A landmark moment in his career came when Hathor Symphony Orchestra became the first orchestra ever to perform with him live, presenting his premiere symphonic concert in El Gouna a historic event that introduced his cinematic sound world to the stage. Beyond this milestone, Nazih has composed for over 40 films and TV series, including The Blue Elephant I & II, Ibrahim Labyad, and Sons of Rizk, as well as international projects such as Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight and the British drama Born a King. He is also the composer of the globally acclaimed Pharaohs’ Golden Parade in 2021. His achievements have earned him numerous honors, including the Faten Hamama Excellence Award from the Cairo International Film Festival, making him the first composer to receive it. With a career that bridges film, television, and live performance, Hesham Nazih continues to redefine the role of Egyptian music on the world stage.
Through this groundbreaking collaboration, Hathor Symphony Orchestra proudly marked a new chapter in Egypt’s cultural life bringing Hesham Nazih’s unforgettable music from the screen to the concert hall for the very first time.
Aisha Syed – Violinist, Guest Artist
Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Aisha Syed began violin and flute studies at the age of four, quickly establishing herself as a prodigy. By age six she was a member of the Children’s Symphony Orchestra, and at 11 she debuted with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, becoming its youngest solo performer. That same year, she attended the Juilliard School symposium in New York.In 2002, after a two-year audition process, Aisha became the first Latin American admitted to the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School in London, where she studied on a British government scholarship. Since then, she has built an international career, performing across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. She has shared stages with renowned artists such as Michel Camilo, Maxim Vengerov, Julian Rachlin, and Jeremy Menuhin, and premiered works by contemporary composers including Israeli composer Noam Sheriff at the Menuhin Festival Gstaad.Her appearances include performances at the National Theater of Santo Domingo, the Casandra Awards, the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Eilat Festival in Israel, and multiple European festivals. She has also performed in support of humanitarian causes, giving concerts for organizations such as the Princess Trust and Save the Children.Aisha’s artistry combines technical brilliance with expressive warmth, making her one of the most recognized musical ambassadors of the Dominican Republic. In 2023.
she Performed as a guest soloist with the Hathor Symphony Orchestra at the Cairo Opera House, performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons under the baton of Maestro Ahmed Farag a concert that brought her dazzling talent to Egyptian audiences in a remarkable international collaboration.
Ali El Haggar – Singer, Guest Artist
is one of Egypt’s most iconic singers, with a career spanning over four decades. Known for his warm, powerful voice and deep connection to classical Arabic song, he has become a cultural figure who bridges tradition with contemporary expression. Since his debut in the late 1970s, El Haggar has released numerous albums and performed extensively across the Arab world, captivating generations with his artistry.Throughout his career, he has collaborated with Egypt’s greatest composers and poets, establishing a repertoire that blends emotional depth with musical sophistication. His work has earned him a loyal audience and a prominent place in the history of modern Arabic music.In recent years, El Haggar has collaborated with symphony orchestras to bring a new dimension to his music.
He Performed with the Hathor Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Ahmed Farag in two landmark concerts at the Cairo Opera House and at the Citadel Festival for Music and Singing in 2024. These performances showcased the fusion of symphonic richness with his timeless songs, offering audiences a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Manal Mohie El-Din – Harpist, Guest Artist
is Egypt’s leading harpist and one of the Arab world’s most distinguished classical musicians. A graduate of the Cairo Conservatoire, she pursued advanced harp studies in France, where she developed a reputation for her refined technique and expressive artistry. Over the years, she has performed as a soloist with major orchestras across Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East, and has been a central figure in introducing the harp to broader audiences in the region.Beyond performance, Manal has dedicated much of her career to teaching and mentoring young musicians, serving as professor of harp at the Cairo Conservatoire and inspiring generations of Egyptian harpists. She has also represented Egypt internationally through festival appearances and cultural collaborations, becoming a cultural ambassador for her instrument.In addition to her extensive solo and orchestral career.
Manal Mohie El-Din Performed with the Hathor Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist, bringing the unique voice of the harp to the orchestra’s mission of blending authenticity with innovation. This collaboration highlighted both her artistry and Hathor’s commitment to celebrating Egypt’s finest musicians alongside international traditions.
Salma Sadek – Violinist, Guest Artist
Born in Cairo, Salma Sadek completed her musical training in Egypt and Germany. She established herself as a versatile violinist, performing both as a soloist and as a member of leading orchestras. Over the years, she has collaborated with distinguished ensembles, participated in international projects, and built a reputation for her expressive interpretations and refined technique. Her repertoire spans from the great masters of the Baroque and Classical periods to contemporary works, with a special interest in bridging Western classical music and Arabic cultural heritage.Salma has appeared in numerous concerts and festivals in Egypt and abroad, presenting programs that highlight her ability to move seamlessly between diverse musical styles. In December 2023.
she performed as guest soloist with the Hathor Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Ahmed Farag in “The Bach Family” concert at the Cairo Opera House, where her interpretation of J. S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in d minor was received with great acclaim.
