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Monument to Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov opened at Cairo Opera House

Rimsky-Korsakov is one of the best-known Russian classical composers in the Middle East

CAIRO, December 6. /TASS/. A monument to the landmark Russian classical composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was unveiled on Tuesday on the compound of Egypt’s National Opera House in Cairo.

"This is the first monument at what is destined to be the Alley of Composers, which will stretch around the building of the theater," the Russian Ambassador in Egypt, Sergei Kirpichenko said.

"Rimsky-Korsakov is more than an emblem of global culture, he is an emblem of interconnections among the musical culture of different countries," Kirpichenko said. "Tuesday’s event reaffirms the profound character of cultural relations between Russia and Egypt."

Rimsky-Korsakov is one of the best-known Russian classical composers in the Middle East. And his suite ‘Scheherazade’, which he composed, remains the most popular of his works among the Arab audiences.

The music score of the suite formed the basis for the music of a one-act ballet of the same title staged at the Cairo Opera House.

One more sculpture of a composer is to appear at the Alley of Composers shortly. It will depict the famous Egyptian singer and composer, Farid al-Atrash.

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