The Zouk Mikael International Festival (ZMF), which celebrates its 12^th anniversary this year, has been able, over the years, to achieve its main goal, the support of Lebanese artists as well as the hosting of performances by international ones.

Last year we were the first festival to produce an album "Naseej" for 3 young talented Lebanese artists, Mike Massy, Sary and Ayad Khalife. The album was very well received with some of the songs reaching over 80,000 views on YouTube and the artists invited to perform their music in Europe. Naseej is available on ITunes as well as all branches of Virgin Megastore Lebanon.

When we say we are an international festival, it is not just international because we have non Lebanese artists perform as part of our program but because our reach is international, with Nassej crossing boundaries.

From the conviction that the Zouk Mikael International Festival committee has in the importance of Lebanon's positioning as the cross roads of east and west as well as being the place of meeting of cultures, we also believe in supporting our young talent as they have the potential to become ambassadors of the culture that Lebanon represents.

An example of our young talent succeeding and taking their success across the borders is Mike Massy who was supported by the Zouk Mikael International Festival. He was recently performing at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the Kan yama Cannes event.

Culture and tourism form the backbone of what Lebanon stands for, one, we must all continue support. The Zouk Mikael International Festival, in support of culture, tourism and Lebanon, is today playing its part by presenting its 2015 summer program:

• July 23^rd Ziad Rahbani

• July 25^th A Tribute to Oum Koulthoum with singers from Egypt (Yasmin, Sarah and Yasmina) accompanied by the Lebanese National Oriental Orchestra conducted by Maestro Salim Sahab. Yasmina is the 16 year old singer who was in the final of Arabs got talent)

• July 28^th One Night on Broadway (A performance made up of a collection of musical scenes from various Broadway shows interpreted by 50 Lebanese dancers and singers)

Despite our limited seating capacity (2500 seats) and the challenging economic environment, the price range of our tickets is based on our belief and strategy that our prices should be accessible to everyone.

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 whose efforts with those of the ministry have given the festivals a renewed boost allowing them to continue. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Culture whose minister Mr. Rony Arayji could unfortunately not be with us today due to a travel commitment as well as the management of the Four Seasons Hotel which is hosting our press conference for the fourth year in a row.