Beiteddine Festival 2025 Returns: Here’s the Line Up!

After a hiatus, Lebanon’s beloved Beiteddine Festival is making a triumphant comeback for 2025. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Beiteddine Palace in the heart of the Chouf mountains, this year’s edition promises to reignite the spirit of cultural celebration, bringing together world-class performers, diverse audiences, and a vibrant program that honors both tradition and innovation.

2025 Festival Highlights

This summer’s lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to excellence and variety, spanning opera, world music, musical theater, and orchestral performances. Here’s what to look forward to:

July 3: J’Nai Bridges & Jonathan Ware

Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, often hailed as the “Beyoncé of Opera,” will open the festival with a captivating recital. Expect a dynamic program featuring works by Mozart, Mahler, Gershwin, and more, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Ware.

July 10: Diwaniyat Hob

Three celebrated vocalists-Jahida Wehbé, Lubana al-Quntar, and Reham Abdel Hakim-will pay homage to legendary Arab icons Oum Kalthoum, Feyrouz, Warda, and Abdel Halim. This evening promises a nostalgic journey through the golden era of Arabic music.

July 18: Naseer Shamma & 14 International Soloists

Oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma will take center stage, joined by an ensemble of world-class soloists. Their performance aims to deliver a universal message of peace through the language of music.

July 23 & 24: “Anything Goes” (Kello Masmouh) featuring Carole Samaha

The festival’s theatrical highlight is an Arabic adaptation of Cole Porter’s classic “Anything Goes,” starring Carole Samaha. Audiences can expect a lively production filled with tap dance, humor, and orchestral flair.

July 27: Fundraising Event: LeBAM National Wind Symphony – Dance Around the World

The festival’s grand finale features the LeBAM National Wind Symphony, with 37 young Lebanese musicians delivering a globe-trotting musical celebration and championing the importance of music education. All proceeds of this concert will support LeBAM’s free instrumental music education program for youth: “TEACH ME MUSIC!!! علمني موسيقى “.

Art Exhibitions: Visual Culture in Bloom

Beyond the stage, Beiteddine Festival 2025 will host two major art exhibitions throughout the summer:

Unfolding Landscapes

Presented in partnership with BeMA and the British Council, this exhibition invites visitors to explore contemporary interpretations of landscape art.

Nothing But Flowers

Curated by Saleh Barakat, this exhibition offers a vibrant collection of floral-themed artworks, highlighting the beauty and diversity of nature through creative expression.

A Historic Stage for a Modern Revival

The Beiteddine Festival has long been a cornerstone of Lebanon’s cultural calendar, transforming the 200-year-old palace into a stage for unforgettable performances and artistic encounters. Over the decades, the festival has played a vital role in fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange, drawing thousands of visitors each summer to its enchanting courtyards.

More Than a Festival: A Cultural Homecoming

The Beiteddine Festival is more than a series of performances-it is a living testament to Lebanon’s enduring artistic spirit and its role as a crossroads of cultures. Visitors can immerse themselves in the palace’s historic architecture, enjoy the region’s breathtaking mountain scenery, and savor local cuisine, all while experiencing the transformative power of the arts.

As the palace once again comes alive with music, dance, and visual art, Beiteddine Festival 2025 stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal-an invitation to celebrate creativity, heritage, and community in one of Lebanon’s most iconic settings.

Mark your calendars: Beiteddine Festival runs from July 3rd to July 30th, 2025. Let the festivities begin!

Cover Image by Nabil Ismail Photography.

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