- Title: LEBANON-BAALBECK FESTIVAL Baalbeck festival opens with a tribute to the town
- Date: 2nd August 2015
- Summary: VARIOUS OF LEBANESE SINGER FADIA TOMB EL-HAGE PERFORMING ON STAGE DURING THE SPECTACLE
- Embargoed: 17th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Lebanon
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA333GQZ2HFSY9QX2XH7NHWPTKD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A night of poetry, classical music and dance opened one of Lebanon's oldest international festivals.
Friday (July 31) night saw the opening of the Balbeck International Festival, a musical extravaganza that has attracted a host of famous stars to its stage over the years.
The festival has been running for decades and iconic Arab singers like Oum Kalthoum and Fayrouz have all graced the stage here.
The opening performance entitled 'Ilik Ya Baalbak, Arabic for 'For you Baalbeck' paid tribute to the ancient town, home to Roman ruins and set in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
Dozens of Lebanese artists joined forces in a musical spectacle that entertained the audience for around two hours.
The festival takes place at a time when the region is facing political upheaval and turmoil. With a war raging in neighbouring Syria, Lebanon is home to a growing refugee community.
But some involved in the musical event say it's an opportunity to show the world the vibrancy, joy and talent that exists in the Mediterranean state.
''Sadness won't bring back the country, there is nothing but joy that brings us back to life. Baalbeck insists, with its people and festival, to say 'Lebanon won't die, we insist to bring life back with joy', '' said Lebanese poet Talal Haydar who participated with an original text in 'Ilik Ya Baalbek'.
"This work - with its vision, what we want to do and what we have to say - has an important message to tell which says: in Lebanon we have Baalbeck, we have this festival, and in Lebanon we really have very high quality of musicians, composers and artists,'' added Maestro Harout Fazlian, the conductor of the Lebanese National Philharmonic Orchestra.
The festival, which has been running since 1956, was forced to change its location in 2013 due to security concerns.
But now the festival is in full swing on its home turf, much to the audience's delight.
"It was really something great, we had goosebumps for two complete hours,'' said show attendee Hassan Al-Husseiny.
"The spectacle was great, it was really so beautiful and gave Baalbeck its right. I loved every part of it and every person who participated in it,'' said Odile Riachi who was also attending the opening night.
Rafic Ali Ahmad, Fadia Tomb El-Hage, Marcel Khalife and Ibrahim Maalouf, were among those performing at the opening.
Baalbeck International Festival is considered among the most prestigious of Lebanon's festivals.
The musical extravaganza ends on August 30, with Syrian singer Mayada al Hennawi performing in the ancient city. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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