Beirut:The 19th edition of Beirut Chants was launched today at a press conference at the Yacht Club Beirut. The event was attended by notable figures including Minister of Tourism Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Dr. Ali Samad, Director General of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, several ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, media personnel, and festival supporters.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Festival President Micheline Abi Samra emphasized the festival's continuous effort to keep music alive in Beirut, regardless of challenging circumstances. She highlighted that music should be accessible to everyone, and this year's program is designed to reflect that belief by offering a diverse range of music for audiences to explore.

Minister of Tourism Laura El Khazen Lahoud remarked on the significance of Beirut Chants as part of the city's cultural identity. She noted that the festival's free concerts allow people from across Lebanon to experience outstanding music and foster unity among different backgrounds during the holiday season.

Richard Azoury, founder of Beirut Chants El Sistema, presented the Sounds of Poland violin competition, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Lebanon. He underscored the importance of making music education accessible to young people and nurturing their talents.

The event concluded with live performances by the six winners of the competition, who were awarded their prizes. Over the years, Beirut Chants has become an annual celebration of music that embodies Beirut's cultural essence. This year's festival features a distinguished line-up of artists from Lebanon and around the world, running from December 1 to 23, with all concerts free and open to the public. The full program is available at beirutchants.com.