In the 30-day cease fire after the 60-day Israel-Hezbollah war, "Giving Voice to Hope" was held on December 18 at the Saint Elias and Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral in partnership with the Syriac League and the Zovighian Public Office to celebrate heritage and unity.
The church altar became a stage for world premieres representing unity, coexistence, solidarity, and a shared commitment to collaboration, harmony, and human values. Excellence and interfaith dialogue resonated in the cathedral's halls, with a full house joining in applause and cheer.
This concert was dedicated to the journalists, photojournalists, paramedics, doctors, nurses, civil defense, Lebanese National Army, and Middle East Airlines (MEA) for their courage and ferocious commitment to humanity during the war.
This second edition of "Giving Voice to Music" welcomed 85 musicians from multiple communities with performances in six languages: Arabic, Armenian, Aramaic in Syriac dialect, Latin, English, and Arabic sign language.
The incredible lineup included:
Maria Mattar – International award-winning soprano opera singer
Lynn Zovighian – Soprano opera singer
Dr. Armen Ketchek – Conductor and pianist
Jana Semaan – Cellist
Rabah Mneimneh – Trumpist
Father Aram Aprahamian
Nadira Samaha – Arabic sign language singer
Pauline Yazbeck – Soprano singer
Iwan Gharzeddine – Zajjal poet
Lamice Joujou – Mezzo-soprano singer
Graduates of Dent de Lait
Toni Bayeh – Conductor
Ziad El Ahmadie – Oud player
Omar Al-Hajj – Singer
Fayha National Choir
Maestro Barkev Taslakian – Choirmaster
This concert would not have been possible without the dedication of the teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. Special thanks go to the producer and co-director Lynn Zovighian, with Maria Mattar, Dr. Armen Ketchek, and Maestro Barkev Taslakian, whose vision and leadership made this unforgettable evening a reality.