A tribute to Zaki Nassif Concert – LeBAM and Fayha Choir – Beyteddine Festival

ZAKI NASSIF (1916-2004)

Born in Mashghara, on July 4th 1916. Zaki Nassif’s study of music began at the Institute of Music at the American University of Beirut in 1936. After 1941 he continued his classical music studies with Bertand Robillard. His life as well as his musical outlook is characterized by a genuine interest in folk music, poetry and dance in addition to an encyclopedic knowledge of the Byzantine & Syriac music traditions. He contributed significantly to what became to be known as the “Lebanese Musical Renaissance, a prominent member of ‘The League of Five Lebanese composers (1856-1870) whose objective was to promote musical modernism alongside the local musical identity. Zaki Nassif died on March 11, 2004, leaving a rich and vibrant musical heritage consisting of about 1,100 songs and pieces of music belonging to various genres and styles. He may be considered the founder of a new Lebanese/Arabic school of composition, unique in its expressive combination of words, music, orchestration and dance.

FAYHA CHOIR

Established in 2003, and conducted ever since by Maestro Barkev Taslakian. The choir is mixed, from Tripoli and suburbs citizens, who represent the Lebanese population with all its religions, social, political and economic affiliations. The choir’s repertoire includes Arabic (Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Bedwin, Andaloussi…), oriental, as well as French, English, Latin, Armenian and other songs. This diversity reflects the choir’s openness to the human heritage. The Faiha Choir aims to: (i) Develop and spread the Arabic Music, and show its importance and richness; (ii) Show the real civilized image of Lebanon and Arab countries. The choir has to his credits many concerts in Lebanon and abroad. It is officially part of “International Federation for Choral Music” (IFCM) and European Choral Association – Europa Cantat.