Music, art festivals held in Lebanon despite economic crisis

STORY: Music, art festivals held in Lebanon despite economic crisis DATELINE: July 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:04:19 LOCATION: BAALBEK and BEITEDDINE, Lebanon CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Baalbek 2. various of people attending the Baalbek International Festival 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): I'ITIDAL HAIDAR, Member of the executive committee of Baalbek International Festival 4. various of performances at Baalbek festivals 5. A shot for audiences at Baalbek festivals 5. various of performances at the Beiteddine Festival 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): HALA SHIHANI, Director of Beiteddine festivals 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): TAREK MITRI, Former Lebanese culture minister 7. various of the audience in Beiteddine STORYLINE: Hundreds of Lebanese have flocked to Beiteddine and Baalbek over the past few days for the long-awaited festivities in the two Lebanese towns, which have been interrupted for years due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the economic crisis. Lebanon's renowned Baalbek festival hosted French pianist Simon

Lebanon's Beiteddine festival attracts art lovers

STORY: Lebanon's Beiteddine festival attracts art lovers DATELINE: July 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:12 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada and artists checking a photos exhibition at Beiteddine 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): MOHAMMAD MORTADA, Culture Minister 3. various of the art exhibition 4. the interior minister arriving at the exhibition STORYLINE: The 36th edition of the Beiteddine Art Festival kicked off on Wednesday, attracting art lovers that are eager to enjoy good music and arts. Apart from performances by Lebanese talents such as Daline Jabbour and Guy Manoukian, the festival also has an art exhibition for Saleh Barakat, owner of the "Ajyal" gallery. It includes works by leading artists, such as Samir Khaddaj and Salwa Rawda Choucair. The festival returned after a two-year pandemic hiatus and the economic crisis prevailing in Lebanon. Lebanon's Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada told Xinhua the art festival gives hope for change for the people in t

Beiteddine Art Festival held in Lebanon amid economic crisis

STORY: Beiteddine Art Festival held in Lebanon amid economic crisis DATELINE: July 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:38 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of a concert at Beiteddine Art Festival 2. various of the orchestra 3. various of a singer performing on stage 4. various of the audience 5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): NORA JUMBLATT, President of the Beiteddine Festival STORYLINE: The 36th Beiteddine Art Festival opened on Wednesday at Beiteddine Palace, a historic building in Lebanon. Spectators from home and abroad attended the event to enjoy the exceptional performance of Lebanese talents, such as Daline Jabbour and Guy Manoukian. The festival, which will run through July 16, comes after two years of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis prevailing in Lebanon. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): NORA JUMBLATT, President of the Beiteddine Festival "In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic situation, it was necessary to go back to the festivals. The festivals are back to Beit

Lebanon allows 10-day free entry to cultural attractions, museums

STORY: Lebanon allows 10-day free entry to cultural attractions, museums DATELINE: May 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:05:55 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of people walking in the National Museum of Beirut 2. various of visitors and statues at the museum 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AYMAN JOMAA, Lebanese citizen 4. various of visitors and monuments at the museum 5. various of people standing outside Beiteddine Palace 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ALIA HARISS, Lebanese citizen 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MANAR ABDALLAH, Lebanese citizen 8. various of visitors and monument STORYLINE: Lebanon's cultural ministry announced earlier this month that visits to archaeological sites and museums in Lebanon will be free from May 18 to 27, in an attempt to encourage cultural activities in the country amid the current tough economic circumstances. "Lebanese visitors will be exempt from entrance fees to archaeological sites, the National Museum, museums and the Beiteddine Palace from May 18 to 27," said Cultu