New spring and new hopes. Les Musicales de Baabdath are embracing the change by holding a concert series comprising three performances running during the month of May. Taking place in the town of Baabdath, this new edition bridges the promise of spring to the excitement of the annual season planned for October.
Proudly under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, this first off-season concert series revolves around a collaboration with the Amman Chamber Orchestra (ACO), a partnership which Les Musicales de Baabdath has been nurturing since 2022.
This Spring Edition is also most and foremost a luminous stage for Lebanon’s most gifted young musicians, many of whom having carved their artistry at the esteemed Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. An academic career crowned with success before life scattered them, often under the influence of a country ravaged by conflicts and a dire economic situation, sometimes forcing them to move abroad. Their journeys, rich with promises are meant to be celebrated throughout the festival in a spirit of resilience and hope. Remaining true to its founding spirit, Les Musicales de Baabdath
offers all performances free of charge. Concerts are hosted at the Maronite Parish Hall of Baabdath’s New Church on the 17th, 21th, and 24th of May.
The season opens on Saturday May 17 with a concert of instrumental oriental music concert. The Middle Eastern Ensemble of the Amman Chamber Orchestra comprising six exceptional musicians, two Jordanians and four Lebanese, will pay tribute to the masters of Arab and Lebanese middle eastern classical music. At the heart of the performance, the evocative “Takht Sharqi” in its most typical and authentic sounds of the violin, nay, qanun, oud, cello, and oriental percussion.
On Wednesday, May 21, a vibrant string ensemble of 13 young professional Lebanese talents, many of whom are graduates of the esteemed Lebanese National Conservatory of Music, will take the stage. The repertoire will sweep from Mendelssohn’s String Octet to the charm of Bizet, and through the passionate Spanish melodies by Albéniz, De Falla, and other Iberic composers. The evening is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in Beirut.
The season closes on Saturday May 24 with the Amman Chamber Orchestra Trio and the unique work of Smetana for such a formation. In the second half of the performance, the trio will be joined by other members of the ACO for a journey through Schumann’s piano quintet.
Les Musicales de Baabdath are proud of their partnership with the ACO and extend their heartfelt gratitude to its leading artists, all 3, guest musicians of this Spring Edition: Pianist Karim Said, Principal Conductor of the ACO, Artist in Residence at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, and Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Music – London; along with violinist Ihab Jamal concertmaster and leader of the oriental section, and Jana Semaan principal cellist at the ACO. Their dedication made possible a two-week residency in Baabdath.
In their commitment to accessibility, Les Musicales de Baabdath are proposing a round-trip transportation from Beirut and Jounieh to Baabdath in collaboration with Nakhal.
All concerts begin promptly at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM; seating is first-come, first-served. Children under 6 years old will not be admitted. Venue capacity is 600 seats.
This Spring Edition comes to life through the generous support of the Bank Al Etihad Foundation, the Embassy of Spain in Beirut, the Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), Mon Liban d’Azur, the Municipality and Maronite Parish of Baabdath, as well as the invaluable support of sponsors and patrons from Baabdath and from outside, whose loyalty has been sustaining Les Musicales de Baabdath’s mission year after year.
For the full program and for further details, visit the website of Les Musicales de Baabdath: www.lesmusicales.org