Musical Seminar by the Epoque Quartet

Musical Seminar by the Epoque Quartet

Date: Monday, October 23, 2023, at 1:00 PM (Cairo Time)

Location: Theatre of the Faculty of Music Education – Zamalek

Under the Patronage of:

- Prof. Dr. El-Sayed Kandil – President of Helwan University

- Prof. Dr. Emad Abou El-Dahab – Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research

- Prof. Dr. Sherine Abdel Latif – Dean of the Faculty of Music Education

- Prof. Dr. Magda El-Afify – Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research

The Cultural Relations Committee at the Faculty of Music Education, Helwan University, organized and prepared the seminar in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo.

Cultural Relations Committee Members:

- Prof. Dr. Magda El-Afify

- Prof. Dr. Engy Adawy

- Prof. Dr. Nahla Matar

- Prof. Dr. Hoda Nasir

- Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Kader

- Dr. Doaa Soliman

- Dr. Maha Sami

- Dr. Hala Fouad

- Mr. Ahmed Fayez

- Mr. Moamen Mostafa

This event is part of the Faculty's mission to develop and disseminate musical and cultural awareness among both specialists and non-specialists, and to contribute to the soft power movement for enhancing general artistic sensitivity and societal taste.

Seminar Objectives:

- Introducing the Czech string quartet group 'Epoque Quartet' and featuring their musical performances.

- Facilitating musical exchange between students of the Faculty (specializing in string instruments) and the Czech performers, including instructional guidance from the Czech musicians.

- Showcasing Egyptian Arabic music through performances by students using traditional Eastern instruments such as the qanun, nay, and violin.

Performers:

- Violinist I – David Pokorný

- Violinist II – Vladimir Klánský

- Violist – Vladimír Kroupa

- Cellist – Vít PetráŠek

The seminar began with a welcoming speech by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Sherine Abdel Latif, delivered in both Arabic and English, introducing the guest ensemble and outlining the objectives of the seminar. The group’s coordinator then welcomed the faculty and its leadership, and presented the Czech string quartet and its members.

The seminar was attended by over 80 individuals, including faculty members and both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The audience responded enthusiastically to the performance, engaging with applause, singing, and taking photos. Following the performance, there were questions and interactions with the ensemble, as well as opportunities to take commemorative photos.

A student feedback survey revealed a strong desire for more seminars of this kind, as they offer valuable opportunities for musical exchange and learning.