Reviving the Glory: Melhem Zein’s Captivating Performances Illuminate the Baalbeck International Festival

The Lebanese superstar “Melhem Zein”, the son of Baalbeck, enthralled the audience of the Baalbeck International Festival with his singing, mesmerizing them with his music, dance, and joy, leaving them with wonderful memories and returning the old structures of Baalbeck to their previous splendor. “It is an honor for me to stand on the stage of this great monument, where my first inspiration and first love, Baalbeck the city of the sun emerged,” Melhem Zein remarked.

By performing around 20 of his best songs, and with his powerful and beautiful voice, Melhem Zein carried the audience to a realm of romance and dreams (Nami, Inti Mashiiti, Mamonak Ana) and then to a sense of pride in their homeland and its army (Helm Al-Ard). He also took them on a folkloric joy voyage and the legendary Baalbecki Dabke (Alawah, Gheibi Ya Shams, Ala Ayn Moulayite, Ya Zghiri…), demonstrating his amazing talent and touching emotions with the beauty of his voice. The audience’s emotions were captured as the stage vibrated with his popular melodies.

The Al Majd Performance Group, led by artist Khaled Al-Naboush, accompanied Melhem Zein on the second night, giving a blend of legacy, authenticity, and the Lebanese traditional touch to the magical evening. However, for unknown reasons, the Majd Performance Group was not present on the first night, exclusive to the people of Baalbeck.

Melhem Zein’s performances at the Baalbeck International Festival were nothing short of spectacular. He skillfully transported the audience into a world of romance, pride, and folklore joy with his powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and repertoire of lovely tunes. His performances created an indelible effect on the audience and restored the glory and grandeur of the ancient Baalbeck architecture.

Melhem Zein’s love for his city and profound connection with the audience shone through the two evenings, making it an unforgettable experience for everybody. Al Majd Performance Group’s involvement on the second night offered another dimension of cultural richness and boosted the overall mood of the event. The Baalbeck International Festival will surely be remembered for Melhem Zein’s outstanding performances, which reaffirmed the festival’s status as a significant cultural event.

Photos: Wael Hamze ©

Baalbeck International Festival 2023 reveals a stellar lineup and an early-bird ticket offer!

The Baalbeck International Festival Committee held a press conference to unveil the program for the highly anticipated 2023 edition. This year’s festival promises to be a captivating celebration of artistry and cultural heritage, set against the stunning “Bacchus” temple in Baalbeck, Lebanon. The conference was held at the historic archaeological site of Baalbeck and was attended by a number of distinguished officials and representatives, including Nada De Freige the committee’s president, Minister of Tourism Wael Nasser, Dr. Hayan Haider, who represented Minister of Culture Judge Mohammed Wissam Al-Mourtada, former deputy Emile Rahme, Governor of Baalbek-Hermel Bashir Khodor, Vice President of the Committee Jumana Dibana, Acting Mayor of Baalbeck Mustafa El Chall, and Mandy Basil the representative of CMA CGM Group.

During the conference, the committee’s president, Nada De Freige, took the podium and spoke eloquently about the beautiful artistic activities planned for the festival. She emphasized the committee’s unwavering commitment to preserving Baalbeck’s cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of encouraging positivity and creativity, especially in light of the country’s struggles. The Baalbeck International Festival aims to bring joy and hope to Lebanon, and the support of sponsors and patrons is critical to its continued existence.

Minister Nassar emphasized the importance of supporting the festival and the tourism sector in Lebanon. Dr. Hayan Haider, the representative of the Minister of Culture, praised the festival’s cultural and artistic significance and expressed his admiration for the efforts of the Committee to maintain the festival’s cultural heritage. Former MP Emil Rahme highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Lebanon’s image abroad, and Governor Khodr expressed his support for the festival and its cultural message. Vice President Dibaneh discussed the festival’s role in promoting tourism and strengthening social cohesion, while acting Mayor El Shal expressed his appreciation for the festival’s positive impact on the local community. Finally, Mandy Basil, a representative of the CMA CGM Group, expressed her company’s commitment to the festival and the arts in Lebanon.

The conference is serving as the platform to announce the program for the Baalbek International Festival 2023, and excitement for the incredible performances that await attendees is building. The festival promises to transport audiences to new realms of artistic excellence and cultural immersion against the backdrop of the enchanting “Bacchus” temple.

Prepare to be enchanted by Roberto Bolle And Friends’ enchanting ballet performance on July 1st. This renowned dancer and his troupe will captivate audiences with their grace and elegance, leaving them in awe of their extraordinary talent.

The captivating melodies of the Al-Kindi Ensemble, accompanied by the talented Sheikh Hamed Daoud, will fill the stage on July 2nd. Their performance will resonate with the Middle East’s rich musical traditions, capturing hearts and minds.

With the performance of Roots In Our Hands on July 7, a singular collaboration between musicians from Spain and Lebanon will be on display. This performance, which will be directed by the incredibly gifted Nacho Arimany, will highlight the fusion of various cultural influences and show the strength of unification through music.

The legendary Melhem Zein will perform at the festival’s grand finale on July 14. Zein’s performance promises to be an electrifying experience that will captivate the audience with his powerful vocals and charismatic presence.

And on Sunday, July 16th, get ready to be swept away by the stage magic of Imany Voodoo Cello. Imany’s soul-stirring voice and the cello’s eerie melodies will come together to create a mesmerizing and unforgettable musical experience.

On April 28th, tickets for the Baalbek International Festival 2023 will go on sale. Don’t miss out on the early-bird offer, which is valid at Virgin Ticketing Box Offices until May and offers a 10% discount.

Join us in celebrating Lebanon’s unbreakable spirit through the universal language of art at the Baalbeck International Festival 2023. Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories!