Under the patronage of Prime Minister Najib Mikati and upon an invitation from Minister of Culture Judge Mohammad Wissam Al-Mortada, along with the President of the National Higher Institute of Music, composer Hiba Qawas, and in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Center and the Antonine University, the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and the Antonine University Choir held a musical concert featuring Rossini's timeless masterpiece "Petite Messe Solenelle," conducted by Maestro Father Toufic Ma'touk, with performances by Italian soprano Caterina Di Tonno, mezzo-soprano Angela Schiavone, tenor Joseph Dhadha, and baritone Cesar Naciri at the Church of St. Joseph of the Jesuits in Ashrafieh. The evening was attended by political, diplomatic, cultural, and media figures, notably including Prime Minister's representative, Mrs. May Mikati, Minister of Culture's representative, Judge Maya Kanaan Al-Mortada, MP Ibrahim Kanaan, and ambassadors from Italy, Argentina, and Uruguay, among others.
In her opening speech, Hiba Qawas welcomed the attendees, stating, "Today is a very special night, as Lebanon, in its most difficult circumstances, is able to present this musical work, which is considered one of the most challenging pieces in the global music repertoire. I would like to thank the collaboration with the Italian Cultural Center, represented by its director Mr. Angelo Gio, for their continuous work and inspiring ideas we can build upon in the future. Of course, we hope that tonight's collaboration will lay the foundation for building significant cultural and musical bridges in Lebanon."
She further emphasized the particular importance of the support from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture, who recognized the significance of music in diplomatic and cultural contexts. She remarked that the presence of attendees indicates a strong state awareness in culture and music.
Judge Kanaan, representing Minister Al-Mortada, stressed the importance of coexistence and communication in a nation marked by its message. She noted, "It honors me to stand before you at this event, which is taking place in this majestic venue under the generous patronage of the Prime Minister. We gather in this great national edifice that has taught generations to live together and build a bridge towards the other."
She concluded by expressing hopes that the Holy Spirit would inspire all parties in Lebanon to adopt dialogue as a path and moderation as a way of life, urging a return to national dialogue under the parliament’s dome to address the current institutional void and the fragility of the state.
The performance itself transformed the altar of the church into a mesmerizing stage, showcasing the interplay of the orchestra and choir against Rossini's rich orchestral textures. The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra's performance, accompanied by the Antonine University Choir, achieved an extraordinary blending of religious and operatic styles led by the maestro, who created a dynamic soundscape.
The individual vocalists also showcased their exceptional talent, with the Lebanese tenor Joseph Dhadha and baritone Cesar Naciri along with Italian soloists delivering riveting performances that resonated with the audience. Dhadha, a resident of Italy, displayed an exceptional vocal range, captivating the hearts of the attendees, while Naciri's rich baritone enhanced the overall experience of the evening.
This concert reaffirmed that despite its challenges, Lebanon can stand as a model of cultural and civilizational advancement in harmony with the global music scene.
