Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem and Lalla Hasnaa, joined by Brigitte Macron, attended the opening show of the Royal Theatre of Rabat on Wednesday evening.

The event marked the inauguration of a landmark cultural facility seen as a symbol of Morocco’s growing investment in the arts under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Before taking their seats in the Royal Box, the royal guests and Brigitte Macron were received by members of the Royal Theatre of Rabat Foundation’s Board of Directors. Princess Lalla Hasnaa serves as President of the Foundation.

The evening began with a film highlighting the vision behind the theatre, described as a symbol of Rabat’s cultural renewal and Morocco’s commitment to promoting artistic expression and creativity.

Guests were later treated to a rich musical performance featuring Moroccan talent across classical, operatic and traditional genres.

Pianist Marouan Benabdallah delivered a classical repertoire, while mezzo-soprano Ahlima Mhamdi performed well-known operatic arias. Samira Kadiri showcased Arab-Andalusian pieces, and composer and oud player Driss El Maloumi presented a contemporary work inspired by Moroccan sounds.

The programme blended global classics with local heritage, including works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet and Verdi alongside Andalusian influences and modern Moroccan compositions.

A major highlight of the evening was a joint performance by the Morocco Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Symphony Orchestra.

The two ensembles, marking nearly three decades and two decades respectively, shared the stage for the first time under the direction of conductor Dina Bensaïd, with 76 musicians and 40 choristers performing together.

At the end of the show, the royal guests and Brigitte Macron met the performers, including Samira Kadiri, Ahlima Mhamdi, Dina Bensaïd, Marouan Benabdallah, Driss El Maloumi and Younes Terfas, Director of the Royal Symphony Orchestra.

The opening attracted hundreds of Moroccan and international guests, including artists, cultural figures, intellectuals and members of the diplomatic corps.

Situated in the Bouregreg Valley, near the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Theatre of Rabat is part of a broader urban transformation project aimed at positioning the Moroccan capital as a leading cultural destination.