Beirut, Lebanon — The Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salamé, opened the press conference of the Baalbeck International Festival, welcoming the audience and expressing his enthusiasm for the announced international cultural partnership. He praised the initiative as a significant step in strengthening Lebanon’s cultural presence on the global stage and reaffirmed his full support for the Festival, underscoring its historic role as a symbol of artistic excellence, resilience, and national pride.
Nayla de Freige, President of the Baalbeck International Festival, then addressed the audience, announcing “promising cultural projects to come.” She continued:
“At a time when hope and creativity matter more than ever, today we celebrate a partnership between two international cultural institutions united by a shared commitment to artistic excellence, creativity, and cultural dialogue. On this occasion, we are honored to announce the cine-concert Tribute to Gabriel Yared as the opening event of the Festival.”
This partnership brings together the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)—a leading institution dedicated to advancing art, education, culture, and creativity within the cultural vision of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates—and the Baalbeck International Festival, whose mission is to invigorate cultural and tourism life in Lebanon.
“This cooperation pools the resources and expertise of both institutions in order to maximize the visibility and reach of these events, while continuing to explore new creative opportunities,” she added.
Initiated in 2011 by the Festival’s former President, Mrs. May Arida, this collaboration now comes to fruition as part of the celebrations marking the Festival’s 70th anniversary.
Opening Event – July 24
Cine-Concert: Tribute to Gabriel Yared
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the Baalbeck International Festival opens its season with a tribute to Gabriel Yared, the only Lebanese artist to have received both an Academy Award and a César Award, multiple times nominated for the César Awards and honored with numerous international prizes and distinctions.
The opening evening on July 24, co-produced with the Abu Dhabi Festival, will bring together the MÁV Symphony Orchestra, European soloists, the Antonine University Choir, and Gabriel Yared himself at the piano. Film excerpts will be projected onto the millennia-old walls of the Temple of Bacchus, creating a unique dialogue between image, music, and heritage.
From the very beginning of his career, Gabriel Yared found in Baalbeck a source of inspiration, making it only natural for the Festival to inaugurate its 70th anniversary with one of the most influential contemporary composers.
The President of the Festival also warmly thanked the Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation for her steadfast support.
Statement by Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said:
“Today, we gather with pride to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Baalbeck International Festival and the achievements it has realised over decades. In solidarity, we reaffirm our shared responsibility to honour our cultural festivals, artistic institutions and civilisational landmarks.”
H.E. added:
“Rooted in the history of Lebanon and the spirit of its people, the Baalbeck International Festival once again speaks to the world as we mark its 70th anniversary. We celebrate this milestone with a distinguished artist of Lebanese heritage and global stature: Gabriel Yared – the Academy Award-winning composer and recipient of the César, Golden Globe, Grammy, BAFTA and Abu Dhabi Festival Award – whose extraordinary body of work includes film scores for more than 70 French and American productions.”
H.E. continued:
“Gabriel Yared’s music uplifts the spirit and carries us through realms of creativity. Distinguished by its unique voice, rhythmic vitality and profound emotional depth, it is shaped by memory, longing and intimacy and is deeply rooted in the soul of Lebanon and the values of the Mashreq.”
H.E. concluded:
“This co-production marks a significant moment in our partnership with the Baalbeck International Festival, which began in 2011, and embodies the essence of our vision and the mission of Abu Dhabi Festival. True partnerships are not defined by resources alone; they are a meeting of minds and an investment in creativity. With steadfast commitment, we continue to empower cultural renaissance and build civilisation.”
An Internationally Renowned Festival Celebrating Its 70th Anniversary
The celebration of the Baalbeck International Festival’s 70th anniversary is a tribute to the artists who have animated its stages, a gesture of gratitude to its organizers and patrons, and a celebration of the city of Baalbeck and its people.
Founded in 1956 with international classical music and theatre performances, the Festival quickly established itself as the first of its kind in the region, driven by the vision of President Camille Chamoun, his wife Zalfa, and patrons devoted to culture and the arts.
As early as 1957, the introduction of Lebanese productions with Fairuz and the Rahbani Brothers gave rise to the Lebanese Nights, which revealed generations of Lebanese talent. Over the decades, international and local artists have taken turns on its stages, creating a rich dialogue between classical music, theatre, dance, opera, and jazz.
After an interruption caused by the war, the Baalbeck International Festival resumed its activities in 1997, remaining steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and cultural creation, despite the challenges faced by the country.
Ms. de Freige then gave the floor to Gabriel Yared, who joined the press conference via Zoom, concluding with the following words:
“The beauty and majesty of the Temples of Bacchus and Jupiter offer a dreamlike setting. But they call for performances capable of matching their grandeur, so that the magic can truly unfold.”
Statement by Gabriel Yared (via Zoom)
“For any artist, performing at the Baalbeck International Festival is a dream. It is one of the most prestigious festivals in the world and the first of its kind in the Middle East. For me, Lebanese composer, playing for the first time at the heart of these millennia-old temples is an immense joy and a great honor.
And even if the expression ‘cultural resistance’ may seem overused, it applies more than ever to the Baalbeck Festival and its organizers, who are determined to celebrate its 70th anniversary against all odds.
Finally, this partnership between two great institutions in the service of the arts and music – the Baalbeck International Festival and the Abu Dhabi Festival – feels entirely natural to me and fills me with joy. I salute the presence and contribution of the Abu Dhabi Festival, represented by Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, whom I have already had the privilege of meeting and knowing.”