First Alexandrina Contemporary Music Biennale

Painting of “Mounir Canaan”
from the personal collection.

Interview with Tokyo Sinfonietta for the Alexandrina Contemporary Music First Biennale:

This is your first visit to Egypt? So what do you think?

Yes, Egypt is a country I expected to visit for a long time. Your country is one of the origins of human culture, and represents the co-existence of the contemporary and traditional. I found during my visit to Egypt, a common point as our country. I am delighted by my visit.

Did you have any background about Egyptian contemporary music prior to your visit?

Unfortunately, nothing..

I want to ask you about feelings you want to share in this first Biennale.

I didn’t have enough time to hear all concerts of this festival, but when I saw the program, the works to be played are very carefully selected to emphasize the aim of festival.

What do you think about the concerts that you have attended?

I have never played before in Egypt, so I did not know how is the reaction of the audience. But finally, the quality of audience is excellent, they hear our concerts with a lot of interest, I believe.

Did your expectations meet your findings for the Biennale

At the same location of oldest library in the world, seeing the statue of Euclid, was a very exciting experience, to perform contemporary works for the Egyptian audience, the crossing of culture from far east and your country, a very important meeting in this festival.

Thank you again.

in cooperation with Cairo Opera House