Marmoucha Orchestra

In 2025, we commemorate 50 years since the passing of Umm Kulthum, the unparalleled Egyptian star famously known as “The Fourth Pyramid.” As the iconic face of pan-Arabism, she touched millions of hearts with her voice, which echoed across the airwaves via Radio Cairo—a channel that, during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, symbolized Arab pride and unity. While the dream of Arab unity has faded over time, Umm Kulthum’s music endures as shared cultural heritage and a perpetual force of connection. In honor of this legend, Marmoucha Orchestra presents a special tribute: “The Phonograph Changed Me”, a multimedia performance shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of Umm Kulthum’s life and artistic vision. Rather than simply revisiting her greatest hits, this performance dives into the early years of Umm Kulthum’s career. Her statement, “The Phonograph Changed Me,” highlights how the innovation of the phonograph enabled her to share her extraordinary talent with the world. From her intimate live performances as a young artist to the groundbreaking steps that made her an international sensation, this tribute explores the music and influences that shaped her artistic journey. Directed by Toni Geitani and led by artistic director Arin Keshishi, Marmoucha Orchestra presents this tribute as a musical storytelling that engages all the senses. The expressive voice of soprano Mireille Bittar will bring the early works of Umm Kulthum to life and the visuals are narrated by voice-over artist Omnia Najm. This performance is not just a tribute to Umm Kulthum but also a journey through a pivotal period in Arab and global music history. Let yourself be swept away by the stories, voices, and visuals that defined an era, and discover how Umm Kulthum’s extraordinary vision made her the immortal icon she remains today.