Rabat witnessed a remarkable cultural evening as Their Royal Highnesses Princess Lalla Khadija, Princess Lalla Meryem, and Princess Lalla Hasnaa were joined by Brigitte Macron on Wednesday night to attend the prestigious opening show of the Royal Theater of Rabat.
Before taking their seats in the Royal Box, the distinguished guests were welcomed by members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Princess Lalla Hasnaa, who serves as President of the Royal Theater of Rabat Foundation, played a central role in the event highlighting Morocco’s commitment to promoting art and culture.
The evening began with a film presenting the vision behind the Royal Theater, a cultural institution that symbolizes the artistic renewal of the Kingdom’s capital. The project reflects the strong dedication of Mohammed VI to advancing culture and creativity while embracing modern artistic expression.
The audience then enjoyed a spectacular musical program performed exclusively by Moroccan artists. Pianist Marouan Benabdallah delivered pieces from the classical repertoire, while mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi performed celebrated operatic arias. The evening also featured Samira Kadiri presenting Arab-Andalusian heritage pieces and Driss El Maloumi unveiling a contemporary musical creation inspired by Moroccan sounds.
The performance blended universal masterpieces with Moroccan heritage, including works by renowned composers such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Georges Bizet, and Giuseppe Verdi, alongside Andalusian musical traditions and modern Moroccan compositions.
One of the highlights of the night was the first-ever joint performance of the Morocco Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Dina Bensaïd, the ensemble brought together 76 musicians and 40 choristers, creating a powerful artistic moment celebrating Morocco’s vibrant cultural scene.
Following the performance, the royal guests met with the artists and musicians who contributed to the evening’s success, including composer and oud virtuoso Driss El Maloumi and Royal Symphony Orchestra director Younes Terfas.
The grand opening gathered hundreds of Moroccan and international artists, intellectuals, diplomats, and cultural figures. Located in the Bouregreg valley near the iconic Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Theater of Rabat stands as a new symbol of the capital’s cultural renaissance.
Together with the towering Mohammed VI Tower, the theater represents the transformation of Rabat under the ambitious development initiative “Rabat City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture,” a program launched under the leadership of King Mohammed VI to strengthen Morocco’s role as a global hub for cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
