Baalbek 2025: The return of the city's ancient glory with the return of art and hope

After a year of heavy silence, broken by the roar of events and their repercussions, the venerable Baalbeck International Festival is preparing for a resurgence in the summer of 2025. Under the slogan "Pillars of Eternity," the festival's theme conveys a determination to survive and a commitment to life. The organizers of this Lebanese cultural institution have revealed the program for the upcoming edition, emphasizing that the roots of art run deeper than any exhibitor, and that the light of creativity is stronger than any darkness.

"Carmen" with a global Lebanese flavor opens the magical Baalbek Nights The evening of July 25th will witness an exceptional opening with an international flavor, as Georges Bizet's immortal opera "Carmen" will be presented again, under the vision of the world-renowned Lebanese director George Takla, who has returned to his homeland after five decades spent in Brazil. This new production blends Lebanese and European energies, as the Romanian National Radio Orchestra, which has previously enriched the Baalbek Nights with its melodies, will play, accompanied by four French operatic voices who will revive the main roles: Marie Gautreau as "Carmen", Julien Bey as "Don José", Jérôme Boutilier as "Escamillo", and Vanina Santoni as "Micaela".

Artistic figures come together to revive Bizet's masterpiece The brilliant maestro Tawfik Maatouk will conduct the orchestra, while the world-famous designer Rabih Kayrouz will add his creative touches to the costumes, assisted by the talented young artists of Creative Space Beirut. The captivating visuals will be created by the talented visual artist Nabil Nahhas, transforming the show into a complete visual and audio celebration, conveying the captivating story of "Carmen" with simultaneous translation, emphasizing the universality of this opera and its ability to transcend borders and time.

"Stages" by Hiba Tawaji and Osama Rahbani: A Journey Through Baalbek's Musical History On August 8, the sounds of hope and creativity will resound in the skies of Baalbek, with the brilliant artist Hiba Tawaji in an enchanting musical evening titled "Stages." Produced by the legendary musician Osama Rahbani, this show will evoke the most prominent musical moments witnessed by the Baalbek Festivals over the years, in a nostalgic journey celebrating the history of this venerable artistic edifice.

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A tribute to Mansour Rahbani on the centenary of his birth This special evening will include a special tribute to the late artist Mansour Rahbani, marking the centenary of his birth, commemorating his immortal contributions to Lebanese and Arab music. Led by Osama Rahbani, a large orchestra and a distinguished choir will participate in presenting this artistic work that embodies Lebanon's ability to create and shine despite all odds.

The Festival Returns: A Pulse of Life and Hope for the People of Baalbek and Lebanon The return of the Baalbeck Festival is not just an artistic event eagerly awaited by the art-loving public; it is a beacon of hope that will once again illuminate the city of Baalbeck and its people, who have embraced this venerable event for decades. As the head of the festival committee, Nayla De Freige, emphasized, this return represents the realization of a dream and a determination to remain loyal to Baalbeck and its heritage, emphasizing the enthusiasm of the artists and their anticipation of a summer filled with joy and the return of the audience.