It is at Monroe Hotel Beirut, that the president of the Baalbeck International Festival Mrs Nayla de Freige announced at the end of April the program of this summer. For the official opening on July 20, 2018, the festival pays tribute to the Egyptian diva Oum Kalthoum. A varied program is proposed, where confirmed artists will present exceptional concerts to the Lebanese, partly thanks to the excellent acoustics of the temple of Bacchus. Ms. de Freige did not hesitate, in the presence of several ministers, officials, partners, journalists, to thank all the sponsors who support the festival, while encouraging the Lebanese to buy their tickets already available. Here is the program of the Festival.
Baalbeck remembers Oum Kalthoum
With Marwa Nagy and Maï Farouk
The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music
Orchestration and Conducting by Hisham Gabr
Friday July 20th, 2018
Steps of Bacchus Temple
The Egyptian diva Oum Kalthoum sang in Baalbeck in 1966, 1968 and 1970. This summer, the Baalbeck Festival will pay tribute to the legend on opening night. This outstanding concert will feature the Egyptian composer and conductor Hisham Gabr, two renowned Egyptian singers Maï Farouk and Marwa Nagy as well as the Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music. It will showcase two medleys of Oum Kalthoum’s most iconic songs such as “Aghadan Alkak”, “Inta el Hob”, “Ana Fi Intizarak Malit”, “Alf Layla w Layla” and “Yamsaharni”. A unique event for all tarab lovers.
Fundraising Event
Live Cine-Concert by Khaled Mouzanar
Extracts of “Capharnaüm” by Nadine Labaki
Sunday July 8th, 2018
Bacchus Temple
The Committee of the Festival is organizing a fundraising event that will feature a unique live cine-concert by Khaled Mouzanar and his orchestra with the projection of extracts of Nadine Labaki’s new feature film “Capharnaüm”, Official selection in competition – Cannes Film Festival 2018. The show will take place on Sunday, July 8, 2018, in the presence of the filmmaker and the main cast. It will be followed by a dinner at the Acropolis.
Stabat Mater
Rossini
Joyce El-Khoury – soprano
Daniela Barcellona – mezzo
Paolo Fanale- tenor
Krzysztof Bączyk- bass
Toufic Maatouk – conductor
Friday July 27th, 2018
Bacchus Temple
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Rossini’s death and on this occasion, the Baalbeck Festival is proud to include in its program the Italian composer’s Stabat Mater, masterpiece of sacred music and the finale of Verdi’s Requiem Libera me, composed for Rossini. This concert will showcase 4 world class soloists: the radiant soprano Joyce El Khoury who triumphed last year as the lead role in La Traviata at the London Royal Opera House, the wonderful Italian mezzo and bel canto specialist Daniela Barcellona, alongside the tenor Paolo Fanale and the bass Krzysztof Bączyk, two remarkable rising stars. Father Toufic Maatouk will conduct the Bucharest Radio Chamber Orchestra as well as the Antonine University and NDU Choirs. This exceptional concert is produced in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Embassy in Lebanon.
Matthieu Chedid
Saturday August 4th, 2018
Steps of Bacchus Temple
French musician Matthieu Chedid, aka « M », has won a record of 13 Victoires de la Musique Awards. The talented showman comes from a family where music and art is a tradition. Son of musician Louis Chedid and grandson of famous poet Andrée Chedid, the multi instrumentalist and outstanding guitarist started to make a name for himself in 1997 when he released his first album « Le Baptême », and presented himself as « M » with his in famous super hero like hair cut. Since then, he has build a strong reputation as a performer, captivating audiences with his energy and magical concerts, but also as a film score composer and songwriter, collaborating with various renowned artists such as Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Hallyday.
For Baalbeck, Matthieu Chedid and his band are preparing a special show, including his biggest hits and the participation of the Chedid family, Louis, Anna and Joseph as well as famous trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf and other surprise guests.
ILLA IZA … The Musical
A play by Georges Khabbaz
Friday August 10th and Saturday August 11th 2018
Steps of Bacchus Temple
This year, for the first time in its history, the Baalbeck Festival will present a musical. ILLA IZA, the theatre play written and directed by Georges Khabbaz, which has had tremendous success in Beirut, will be turned into a musical featuring 70 actors, dancers and musicians. This is the story of a building on the verge of collapsing. Its inhabitants from diverse religious backgrounds do not agree on how to deal with the matter. ILLA IZA … The Musical is a new version of Georges Khabbaz’s play, a grand production showcasing acting, dancing and singing specially created for Baalbeck.
From Tarab to Jazz
Elie Maalouf & Jahida Wehbe
Friday August 17th 2018
Bacchus Temple
A musical encounter where East meets West, where Tarab meets Jazz, with two talented performers : the pianist and composer Elie Maalouf and the great singer Jahida Wehbé. This concert will feature Elie Maalouf’s compositions performed with his musicians as well as Jahida Wehbé’s songs. It will also feature some carefully chosen musical pieces from the classic arabic repertoire and an exclusive « Baalbeck overture ». This promises to be an enchanting evening inside the Bacchus Temple.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Saturday August 18th 2018
Steps of BacchusTemple
Beginning with his 1994 debut, Welcome To The Cruel World, Ben Harper began his career by releasing a string of eight studio albums creating all time hits such as “Burn one Down” “Another lonely day”, “Waiting on an Angel”, “Jah Work”, “Excuse me Mister” or “Don’t Give up on me Now”. This extraordinary run, featuring the Innocent Criminals, established him as a singularly powerful songwriter, guitarist and performer, ranging across multiple genres such as gospel, funk, reggae, soul and rock and an unmatched ability to blend the personal and political. The awards poured in – Rolling Stone hailed his “jewels of unique and exquisitely tender rock & roll,” while Entertainment Weekly praised his “casual profundity,” and Billboard said his music “reminds us of the power and beauty of simplicity.” Massive, international sold-out tours, Top 10 debuts in the US, Gold and Platinum certifications worldwide flagged Harper and the band’s status as genuine global stars.
