In its opening, Beiteddine Festival honors Sabaah

“Sabah, the Musical” is the title of the opening activities of the Beiteddine Festival in Beiteddine village, Mount Lebanon, June 24, 2011. The musical is to honor the Lebanese icon singer and actor Sabaah (87) for a 75-year career. At the beginning of the ceremony, Lebanese President Michel Soulaymaan bestowed Sabaah an Honorary Medal, presented to her by the First Lady Wafaa Soulaymaan, who said: “In recognition to the great path of Mrs. Sabaah in the artistic world and for her output coming from the depth of the Lebanese heritage and authenticity, a token of love and thankfulness for what she did for Lebanon through decades of time; the President of the Republic decided to bestow her the Grand Officer-Medal-Order of the Cedar and mandated me to present it to her at this special occasion”.Syrian singer Rowayda ‘Ateyya, along with an orchestra driven by Ehsaan al-Munzer, performed 27 songs of Sabaah songs chosen from nearly four thousand sang by her over a 75-year artistic career.Footage of her famous films was presented during the musical; including stills with singer-composer Fareed al-Atrash, Egyptian guitarist ‘Omar Khorshed, Egyptian actor Fareed Shawky, Syrian singer Fahd Ballaan and Egyptian actor Roushdy Abaaza. The Festival lasts until August 4. Iraqi singer Kaazhem al-Saaher, Jazz and Contemporary Dancing evenings, the famous Lebanese author and arranger Ebraheem Ma’louf, Moslem and Christian Gospels’ evening, a Dervish Sufi evening and the Iraqi singer Fareeda in cooperation with the Iraqi lute player ‘Omar Moneer Basheer; are among the Festival schedule.The Festival will feature two exhibitions; the first for the legendary Sabaah and the second for the Iraqi artist Reda ‘Abedeeny, who designed the Festival’s logo using old Arabic Calligraphy. Beiteddine, Ba’albak and Jubeil Festivals are the largest and most important artistic events in Lebanon.