LEBANON – Catholic University choirs at the “Concert of Resilience”

LEBANON – Among the archaeological remains of Baalbeck

Catholic University choirs at the “Concert of Resilience” 

The choirs of three Lebanese Catholic universities were among the protagonists of the great concert event hosted on the evening of Sunday 5 July among the imposing remains of the archaeological park of Baalbek, in the Beqa’a Valley, Lebanon.

In the serious political, institutional and economic crisis experienced by the Lebanese nation – and the effects of which were amplified by the lockdown of activities imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic -, the musical event – broadcast live on TV and social networks – took on the value of a real moment of national resilience and redemption. All the performances, and the great participation with which the population followed the event, testified the common desire to see Lebanon rise from the current state of frustration and institutional paralysis in which it seems to sink without escape.

The musical scores were performed by the 75 musicians of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and by the Sawt el atik choir of the University of the Holy Spirit of Kaslik, by the choir of the Antonina University and that of the University of Our Lady of Louaizé.

The initiative was sponsored by Lebanese President Michel Aoun, also as a moment of commemoration of the centenary of the proclamation of the Lebanese State, whose exact date will fall on September 1st. The orchestra and choirs also performed the Lebanese National Anthem, excerpts from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, Ludwig Van Beethoven’s The Hymn to Joy, as well as performances from works by Lebanese authors, such as the theatrical piece “Ayam Fakhr Al-Din” (Baalbek 1966) by Ghadi and Usama Mansour Al-Rahbani.

The Baalbeck International Festival is held every year in the monuments and temples of the archaeological park of the Lebanese city, considered one of the most important annual cultural events in the Middle East. This year, due to social distancing measures put in place to curb the pandemic crisis, only a few hundred people were able to be physically be present at the evening-event on Sunday 5 July. (PR/GV) (Agenzia Fides, 6/7/2020)