Zahle, August 11th 2017 – Oumsiyat Zahle, a festival thought and organized by Amjadouna Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Zahle to celebrate the “Pearl of the Bekaa”’s heritage, launched its first edition in an exceptional night featuring the Lebanese International singer Hiba Tawaji, accompanied by highly acclaimed composer and director Oussama Rahbani.
The opening ceremony held at the festival site in Zahle Municipal Park, was attended by a large number of officials, public figures, leading media personalities and a large crowd of arts and culture aficionados.
Marking the opening of what would be a series of distinguished concerts and events, Oumsiyat Zahle’s President Mrs. Magda Rizk gave the audience a warm welcome, thanking “those who put in great efforts into bringing this festival to life, thus contributing to the artistic and cultural growth of Zahle”.
This summer has been an eventful one with the different festivals that took place across various regions in the country, proving that Lebanon is regaining its status as a destination for the Lebanese diaspora as well as Arab and international tourists, regardless of the difficult times has lately endured.
Rizk also referred to the timing of the event “which could not have been more perfect whereby the Lebanese expats happened to be in Lebanon at the moment”, further emphasizing “Zahle as a point of connection between Lebanese from all regions, locally and abroad”. Rizk concluded saying that “Zahle is a real source of energy for the whole Bekaa as it has always been throughout its history”.
Followed by the display of a short documentary on Zahle’s artistic and cultural legacy, further highlighting the beauty and rich heritage of the “Pearl of the Bekaa” and before the start of the opening concert, fireworks lit up the region’s summer skies, officially inaugurating Oumsiyat Zahle.
Tawaji and Rahbani’s musical performance took guests on an enchanting artistic journey, fulfilling Zahle’s dream of signing its name on an international festival.
Oumsiyat Zahle will also welcome renowned French singer Patricia Kaas, who will light up the stage with her first performance ever in the city on August 16th.
The festival will then end on a high note on August 17th with an exceptional performance by the beloved star, Wael Kfoury, who will be singing for the first time since his career debut in Zahle.