The National Conservatory continues to present its musical activities within the framework of the renaissance it is witnessing, at the invitation of its president, Hiba Al-Qawas. This is through the regular concerts of the Philharmonic and Arab orchestras and by hosting world-renowned musicians and orchestra conductors. The institute also offers student academic concerts under the supervision and training of its faculty and department heads, in support of the institute's students and their talents. Notably, these academic concerts have become part of the curriculum, requiring students to present multiple performances throughout the academic year. This approach at the conservatory has compelled professors to work on raising the standards to align with the new educational climate, which is gradually developing towards a new curriculum next year.
The latest of these concerts featured the "Guitar Ensemble," preceded by the "Flute Quartet," both held at St. Joseph Church of the Jesuit Fathers in Ashrafieh. These events attracted audiences of classical music enthusiasts in Lebanon who regularly attend concerts, and there was a noticeable crowd at the student concerts, reflecting the high level of performance by the students. The enchanting flute in the quartet was presented by students of flute instructor and Philharmonic Orchestra member Nabil Mroue, who supervised and trained them. The ensemble included Teriza Bou Tanius (Flute & Piccolo), Hazmik Ayntablian (Flute), Antonio Malak (Bass flute), and Nabil Mroue (Flute & Alto flute).
The students showcased remarkable playing skills, demonstrating professionalism and advanced techniques, skillfully navigating the challenges of wind instruments in performing significant works by music masters. The program included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonin Dvorak, Maurice Ravel, Alexander Alyabyev, Jacques Casterede, Marc Berthomieu, Astor Piazzolla, and Claude Debussy, in addition to a piece composed by Antonio Malak.
Meanwhile, the guitar took center stage in the "Guitar Ensemble" concert, under the artistic direction of guitar instructor Mghirdish Mikhaelian, with the participation of eighteen students who excelled in transporting the audience into the realms of this instrument through solo guitar performances, guitar ensembles, and soprano solos accompanied by the guitar ensemble. The music varied between contemporary and traditional pieces from Spanish and Latin American styles, among others. Soprano Liana Mikhaelian participated in the concert along with students: Ghadi Eid, Elias Madour, Mabel Al-Bassar, Anthony Abed, Shadi Mikhail, Jean Marq Touil, Celia Awada, Charbel Eid, Michel Al-Hourani, Ward Ali Hassan, Michel Bou Malhab, Maud Beiruty, Rayan Mansour, Charbel Halou, Samir Maghghab, Joey Habar, Ghadi Mazhar, and Joul Ghamid.
