Cairo

In spite of almost daily political disturbances, the opera season closed with its usual brilliance. Opera in Egypt is state organized and state subsidized. The Royal Opera House was built by Khedive Ismail as part of the celebrations in connection with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Verdi wrote an opera for its opening--Aida, and ever since Aida has opened the Cairo season. Since the war the visiting companies have been chiefly Italian. It is from the business community that the greater part of the opera audiences are drawn. Egyptians are generally indifferent. Italians, Greeks, Syrians, but above all, Jews, support the opera. Puccini, once supreme with Egyptian audiences, is losing his hold. Next to Aida, the greatest success this season was Mefistofeles, the title role being magnificently sung and acted by Masini Pieralli. German opera is expected next winter.