Another summer of festival events in Lebanon is in full swing!  If the Baalbek International Festival and the Byblos International Festival weren’t enough, The Beiteddine Art Festival will also draw crowds and ignite artistic imagination in a sumptuous setting of rich cultural heritage.

The Beiteddine Art Festival takes place in the Beiteddine Palace, a magnificent structure that dates back 200 years and hidden in the Chouf mountains of Lebanan, just 30 miles south of Beirut.  Highlights of its regal architecture include lush courtyards, graceful arcades, and magnificent front gates.

The Inner Courtyard of the Beiteddine Palace is the regal setting for Beiteddine Art Festival

The story behind the festival

2011 will mark the Beiteddine Art Festival’s 26th anniversary.  The first annual festival was held in 1985, in the the context of war, as an audacious experiment of culture’s ability to triumph amidst turmoil.  Against the odds, the first few years of the festival were successful, and now the Beiteddine Art Festival has grown in prestige to become a leading cultural event in the Middle East.

Through the support of both public and private sponsors as well as a loyal audience that returns year after year, the festival has grown healthily.  Each summer about 50,000 spectators fill the palace’s courtyards to enjoy an impressive variety of both performing arts and fine arts exhibitions.

The details for 2011

This year, the Beiteddine Art Festival will feature a world-class line-up of performers and artists, both of Lebanese background and international acclaim.

The events are ongoing from June 24 through August 4.  Have a look at the program and don’t miss out on this beautiful celebration of art in culture in Lebanon.

Friday June 24 – Saturday June 25
Sabah: the musical!
A glamourous and fantastical musical, tracing the life of Lebanese pop icon Sabah

Friday, July 8
Roberto Alagna
Renowned Sicilian tenor singer of French and Italian opera

Friday July 15 – Saturday July 16
Kadim Al Sahir
Iraqi musician, composer, singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador for peace

Tuesday July 19
George Benson
Award-winning American jazz guitarist and soul/R&B musician

Friday July 22
Babel (words)
Contemporary dance performance with choreography by Sidi Larbi

Wednesday July 27
Ibrahim Maalouf and his quintet Diachronism
Beirut’s own trumpet virtuoso with a five-piece brass accompaniment

Saturday July 30
Stabat Mater
A 13th century Christian and Muslim hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary

Thursday August 4
Farida and the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble
The voice of Mesopotamia” with Omar Mounir Bachir on Oud

In visual arts, the exhibitions of Sabah and Reza Abedini will be on display during the course of the festival,  June 24 to August 4.

Don’t wait til the last minute to book your Lebanon hotel.  The summer season is busy and rooms fill up fast!  Make your trip complete with our exciting Lebanon activities and tours.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia/blingbling10

Beirut’s hotels are famous for their world wide luxury standards and premium hospitality however for a lot of love birds and tranquility seekers, this just doesn’t cut it. Escape the city with Lebhotels.com as we tour some of the best hotels in Lebanon where tranquility and romance are more than just a concept; they are a reality!

Sun Hills Suites Hotel Jounieh: Overlooking the breathtaking bay of Jounieh and the Mediterranean, this 5-star hotel’s uniquely decorated rooms start at $140/night including taxes and breakfast.

Byblos Sur Mer: Set in one of the most ancient cities in the world, this newly renovated hotel welcomes you starting $209/night including taxes and breakfast.

Iris Flower Hotel Jezzine: Charming new 4-star hotel amidst pine trees overlooking the valleys of Jezzine starting $50/night including taxes and breakfast.

Pineland Hotel Hammana: At just 30min from Beirut, Pineland Hotel is a vast property surrounded by untainted forests. Rooms start at $105/night including taxes and breakfast.

MzaarVille Panoramic Chalets: Located at the base of the Mzaar ski resort’s slopes, these charming new chalets are fully equipped starting $215/night including taxes.

A famous singer and exceptional pianist is making a spectacular entrance to Beiteddine’s festival on August the 2nd , With her thin charming voice, she will bedazzle the audience and have them look forward to her hitting the high notes. This August a legendary singer gifts Beiteddine’s festival with her presence, Diana Krall.

Make your way up and stay in one of the hotels in Beiteddine. Gorgeous place, historical meaning all around, and a great performance. Don’t miss out!