Ines Abdel-Dayem

"I learnt a lot in the past two months. In fact I consider this period one of the most important experiences of my life. The protests, the weeks-long sit-in at the ministry, performances staged outside the headquarters every evening... There was great contact with the people, not only those directly involved in the arts scene or art lovers. We found regular people on the street interested in music and art. This will definitely be one of the crucial lessons that I have to take into consideration when looking at the role of the Cairo Opera House in society. Today we have to start thinking about how to reach out to all social strata and all generations."

"No doubt, there were days that one was worried. But we could always 'recharge the batteries' by going to the ministry of culture where the sit-in was staged, by attending or participating in the artistic events held there to hundreds-strong audiences every single night. There was an amazing spirit and shared confidence with people from all walks of life, from children and the young to elderly people."

"On a personal level, I discovered that so many people were ready to dedicate themselves totally to defending the cause they believed in. We were not sure what the shape of the political scene after 30 June will be and I have a special respect for all those who chose to stand up for Egypt's culture even when it could have jeopardised their careers, had events taken a different turn. But as we can all see today – after 30 June – artists and intellectuals, as well as all Egyptians defending their country's identity, are victorious. Now we need to ensure that we should go on enriching our great culture."

"There is a sense of security vacuum in the country, with all the protests and lives lost on an almost daily basis. We must not forget the audience's priority may not be the Ramadan programme at the Opera, especially when that programme in question does not provide interesting, new or artistically pertinent evenings."