Beiruting News

Once again, Byblos International Festival is true to the heritage of Jbeil, a crossroads where all cultures feel at home. Our 2014 edition will feature artists from China, Greece, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ethiopia and Lebanon with a repertoire ranging from Classical music to Indie Rock, Electro, Metal, French pop, World, Jazz and Arabic song.

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LANG LANG
Thursday July 3 - 9:30pm

With his charismatic stage presence, passionate playing and astounding technique, Lang Lang has been hailed by The New York Times as the "hottest artist on the classical music planet". A showman as much as an artist, this superstar pianist has played sold-out concerts in every major city around the globe. Accompanied by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Darrell Ang, Lang Lang will perform Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no.2 as well as a selection of solo pieces by Chopin among others. His first concert in Lebanon is undoubtedly a historical date for music lovers!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1416125098655011

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MARCEL KHALIFE
Thursday July 17 - 9:30pm

Singer, composer and one of the world's most acclaimed oud players, Marcel Khalife has been, since the 1970s, a vital presence in the Arabic music world. His first appearance at Byblos Festival will be marked by an impressive production: accompanied by the Al Mayadine Ensemble, a choir of 60 singers, and 80 musicians of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Harout Fazlian, this legend with a rebel soul will sing the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, Adonis, Ounsi El Hage and Joseph Harb among others, revisiting four decades of a brilliant repertoire.

https://www.facebook.com/events/324366927714448

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YANNI
Saturday July 19 - 9:30pm

Legendary composer and performer Yanni is back in Lebanon by popular demand! After two full house concerts at the festival last year, he will play an all-new show in Byblos: accompanied by his world-renowned musicians and vocalists, Yanni will perform audience favorites as well as selections from his latest studio album, Inspirato.
A positively exciting experience by a truly global artist: this spectacular and breathtaking live event is for all the fans who couldn't find tickets last year as well as those who'd like to renew this magical experience.

https://www.facebook.com/events/392984694172987

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MASSIVE ATTACK
Tuesday July 29 - 8:30pm

Iconic British band Massive Attack are widely considered to be the founders and catalysts of trip hop. Their unique "Bristol sound" remains one of the most influential of the last 20 years and tracks such as "Protection", "Teardrop" and "Paradise Circus" have shaped the collective memory of several generations.
Currently touring their latest show in the biggest summer festivals, Massive Attack are pushing their audiovisual exploration of propaganda even further: expect a groundbreaking collision of music, visuals and technology!

https://www.facebook.com/events/626950260722143

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EPICA
Saturday August 2 - 8:30pm

With over a decade of touring and six studio albums, Dutch symphonic metal band Epica have established themselves as one of this genre's leading acts. Fusing operatic female vocals with progressive and gothic elements, they created a trademark sound and acquired a cult following in the process.
Renowned for their intense live shows, combining bombastic soundscapes and striking visuals, Epica's set at Byblos promises to be unforgettable.

https://www.facebook.com/events/504854436304437

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STROMAE
Tuesday August 5 - 9:30pm

Belgian born singer-songwriter Stromae has shot to stardom with the release of his 2nd album Racine Carrée. Selling over 2.5 million copies around the globe, the French-speaking phenomenon has taken the world by storm! His last three singles ("Formidable", "Papaoutai" and "Tous les mêmes") have all been huge hits, continuing where he had left off in 2010, with the multi-platinum selling, dance-floor killer "Alors On Danse". 
With fans of all ages, Stromae has set fire to the biggest venues & festivals with his extravagant shows and now he's bringing his secret formula to Byblos. Alors on danse?

https://www.facebook.com/events/281247338716065

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MULATU ASTATKE and IBRAHIM MAALOUF
Wednesday August 6 - 8:30pm 

Mulatu Astatke is regarded as the father of Ethio-jazz, a unique blend of traditional Ethiopian music, jazz, funk, reggae and Latin rhythms. His big breakthrough came in 2005 when eight of his tracks were used in Jim Jarmusch's movie Broken Flowers.
Winner of the Best Jazz Artist award in the 2013 edition and the Best World Music album in the 2014 edition of the "Victoires de la Musique", Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf plays a rare mix of jazz, blues, Middle Eastern, and Afro-Cuban music with his quarter-tone trumpet.
This magnificent evening will bring together these two artists and their bands for an exclusive double-bill!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1491037987778245

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GUY MANOUKIAN
Wednesday August 13 - 8:30pm

Lebanese musician, composer and pianist, Guy Manoukian has been a key musical player both locally and internationally for the last decade. Not only has he worked with the biggest names in the US, but his fusion of oriental melodies with modern arrangements has taken him all over the world, selling out concerts in Singapore, Santiago de Chile and the Sydney Opera House.
In his first appearance since the release of his chart-topping 2014 album Nomad, Guy Manoukian will perform his greatest hits, accompanied by Maestro Elie Alya and his orchestra alongside special guest Mario Reyes from the Gipsy Kings family.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1485202448364645

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BEIRUT
Tuesday August 19 - 8:30pm

With a name like that, it was just a matter of time until American band Beirut got invited to perform in Lebanon. These indie-rock darlings play a mix of Balkan folk, French chanson and Mexican marching band music. 
Their current lineup includes a ukulele, an accordion and a brass section: the perfect combination to whip crowds into a frenzy! Switching between ballads and more upbeat numbers, Beirut will electrify Byblos with their energy and enthusiasm!

https://www.facebook.com/events/235729693304105

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All performances during the month of Ramadan begin at 9:30pm
Performances after the month of Ramadan begin at 8:30pm
Tickets sold at Virgin Ticketing Box Office:
Downtown Beirut, ABC Achrafieh, ABC Dbayeh, Beirut Souks, Crowne Plaza Hamra, City Mall Dora, Dar el-Shimal Tripoli, Al Ittihad Bookshop Saïda, Hussam Bookshop Baakline and Byblos Venue

Transportation from Beirut: Allô Taxi
Bus roundtrip tickets at 12 000 LBP available at Virgin Megastore
For taxi services, call 1213