The Zouk Mikael International Festival (ZMF), which will turn eleven this year, has been able, throughout the last ten years, to achieve its main goal, which is to support Lebanese artists and to host performances by international ones. This wouldn't have been deemed possible without the constant efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and its continuous support to all festivals. In fact, this year, the Ministry has launched the "Live Love Lebanon" campaign to make it easier for festivals to promote their concerts and to give tourists the opportunity of attending the concerts during their stay which then also helps them discover the different Lebanese regions.

Moreover, we must thank the Ministry of Culture, namely its minister Mr. Rony Arayji for the role he is playing in supporting cultural activities, in spite of the difficult economic situation.

Even though Lebanon has many critical deadlines ahead of it and which are due this summer, the Zouk Mikael International Festival, in support of culture and Lebanon, has decided to present its concerts.

Therefore, I am pleased to announce in your presence the Zouk Mikael International Festival 2014 Program:

July 31^st: The world's most in demand Baritone; Grammy, Classical Brit and Gramophone Award winner Bryn Terfel, and internationally renowned soprano Monica Yunus who needs no introduction as the ambassador of Zouk Mikael International Festival will be accompanied by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gareth Jones.

August 2^nd: Light FM will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary; it has chosen to partner with the Zouk Mikael International Festival on this special occasion which will be celebrated at the Zouk Mikael amphitheatre as part of this year's edition of the festival. The concert that will be held includes performances by 6 Lebanese Bands including Machrou' Leila, Who Killed Bruce Lee Wanton Bishops and Pindoll,

August 7^th: Mike Massy, Sary Khalife and Ayad Khalife present "Naseej".

Lebanon is very rich in human, intellectual, cultural and artistic resources that are, unfortunately, constantly exposed to emigration. For that reason, and in the framework of its policy to support Lebanese arts and culture, the Zouk Mikael International Festival has taken a group of gifted Lebanese artists under its wing and has decided to produce their new and unique album which will be a first of its kind. The Album is called Naseej.

Naseej,

An artistic production consisting of a musical "naseej" between Mike Massy, Sary and Ayyad Khalife

A musical journey from East to West, Medieval to Andalusian, Ancient to Contemporary

The album Naseej will be staged by Nagy Souraty on the stage of Zouk Mikael International Festival.

Following its presentation as part of the Zouk Mikael International Festival 2014 program, Naseej will then go on a world tour.

Despite our limited seating capacity (2 500 seats) and despite the challenging economic situation, the price range of our tickets, just as it has been every year, starts at 30 000 L.L. and goes up to 270 000 L.L. This pricing strategy is based on our belief that art is for everyone and the access to it should be possible for all.

Before I conclude, I would like to thank everyone who has made this year's program a reality, namely his Excellency the Minister of Tourism Mr. Michel Pharaon, his Excellency the Minister of Culture Mr. Rony Arayji and the management of the Four Seasons Hotel which is hosting our press conference for the third year in a row.

Finally, I would like to thank all the journalists who attended this conference for their presence and support.

See you soon in Zouk Mikael

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