Every December, Beirut Chants brings the Lebanese capital to life through music and cultural encounters. Founded in 2007 by Micheline Abi Samra, the festival has become a major event on Lebanon’s musical calendar, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, Lebanese musicians and a loyal audience for nineteen years, united by a shared passion for music as a universal language and a space for cultural exchange.
From December 1 to 23, 2026, the festival returns for a new edition celebrating musical diversity and openness to the world. Its eclectic programme brings together classical music, sacred chants, Oriental music, tarab, Sufi traditions and jazz. From great works of the international repertoire to musical creations and traditions from the Levant, the concerts showcase both established artists and emerging Lebanese talents.
Highlights of this edition include performances by pianists Abdel Rahman and Camille El Bacha, Chinese violinist Ning Feng, the Trio di Parma, as well as a tribute to Dalida performed by Egyptian mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany. Lebanese choirs and young musicians also hold an important place in the programme, reflecting the festival’s commitment to preserving musical heritage and passing its passion on to future generations.
Beyond its concerts, Beirut Chants carries a strong cultural and human ambition: to make music a bridge between cultures, generations and communities. True to its founding spirit, the festival offers all its concerts free of charge, taking place in several of Beirut’s iconic churches and venues. It makes music accessible to everyone and celebrates the vibrant cultural life of the Lebanese capital.