The logo of the Beiteddine Festival. Photo courtesy of the owner.
In a statement released this Monday, the Beiteddine International Festival committee announced the suspension of the 2025 edition, initially scheduled for July 3 to 27, due to the current political and security circumstances in the region. The organizers note that it was a difficult decision, but necessary to ensure that the festival can be held in the future in a stable and serene environment conducive to hosting international artists.
"This decision will remain in effect until the situation becomes clearer," the committee stated, while reaffirming their commitment to inform the public as soon as new dates can be considered.
The committee thanked the relevant ministries, official bodies, cultural partners, participating artists, their loyal audience, as well as the media for their "unwavering support during this period of uncertainty."
The scheduled art exhibitions will open as planned on July 3 at 6 p.m., specifically BeMA – "Unfolding Landscapes" and "Nothing but Flowers," an exhibition curated by Saleh Barakat.
The Beiteddine Festival 2025 was set to open with American mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges, followed by a creation dedicated to Arab voices, the oud of Naseer Shamma, an Arabic adaptation of the musical Anything Goes starring Carole Samaha, and a solidarity concert by young Lebanese musicians.
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