Dean of the Higher Institute of Arabic Music Ratiba El-Hefny passed away on Monday at the age of 82. El-Hefny, who was born in 1931, was the first chairperson of the new Cairo Opera House when it began its activities in 1988, a position she held until 1990. El-Hefny is an Egyptian and an international Opera singer (Soprano) who has performed in more than 500 opera performances. She received Egypt State Incentive Prize in Arts and Letters of the Supreme Council of Culture in 2004.