Mortada Launches “Beirut Hope” Event Marking World Music Day In Presence Of Abdel Samad

Caretaker Minister of Culture, Dr. Abbas Mortada, on Monday launched the “Beirut Hope” event at the National Museum marking World Music Day.

The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music, led by Maestro Andre El Hajj, played during the event, in the presence of Caretaker Minister of Information, Dr. Manal Abdel Samad Najd, and a crowd of official and popular figures.

Abdel Samad gave a speech, in which she said: “Today we celebrate Father’s Day with music, and we welcome the summer season with music; we celebrate in an edifice that’s dear to our hearts, which is the National Museum. Despite all the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is going through, we affirm that we are a steadfast nation that loves life against all odds. We are going through a major economic, social, and health war, and we will overcome it thanks to our determination and will. Lebanon will overcome all its crises with its knowledge, culture, and arts, and the biggest proof is this wonderful artwork led by Maestro Andre Hajj.”

For his part, Mortada began his speech requesting a minute of silence in tribute to  the souls of Beirut blast martyrs.

“Today, from this place, which is brimming with history, the name “Beirut Hope” has been launched,” Mortada said, highlighting the importance of reviving the Music Festival, “especially with the reduction of Covid-19 preventive measures, and looking at its importance in the cultural renaissance and return to life.”

NNA