Al Bustan festival connects Lebanon to the world

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-01-05

[NohadTopalian] Festival director Mirna Boustani says the festival helps shine a light on Lebanon's cultural achievements.

On February 17th, the 17th International Al Bustan Festival offers music with an international flavour and an Italian accent. The program, titled "Music First," continues until March 21st.

This year's festival brings Italian rhythm to a Lebanese audience, but with a Lebanese flavor. The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra will perform classical Italian music led by an Italian conductor. A number of Lebanese university choirs will participate in the opera The Barber of Seville.

Also in the programme, the American group Nature Theatre of Oklahoma will perform Romeo and Juliet. There will also be a concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of musical composer Chopin.

Mirna Boustani, the festival committee president, spoke to Al-Shorfa about the event.

Al Shorfa: Let's start by talking about the striking title "Music First."

Mirna Boustani: I wanted "Music First" to be a loud cry for music to emphasize the importance of music in people’s lives, and music is the only thing that does not need the meanings of the melodies to be translated. We specifically chose Italian music because each year we choose a foreign country to showcase its art at the festival. We chose Italian music this year and all its different musical styles throughout history.

Al Shorfa: There is a unique contribution by the Lebanese choir in the play The Barber of Seville.

Mirna Boustani: Here is the importance of the festival. This opera, whose musical pieces will be led by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Paolo Olmi, will include participation by several Lebanese singers performing operatic pieces alongside six Italian singers. Italian warships operating with UNIFIL forces will transport opera décor, the participants' wardrobe and individuals in the choirs.

Al Shorfa: There is also a tribute to the composer Chopin?

Mirna Boustani: Yes. This is an annual tradition with the festival. This season we will recognize the passage of 200 years since Chopin’s birth. During the March 7th performance titled "Nothing but Chopin" Chinese pianist Yundi will perform.

Al Shorfa: What is the significance of the festival inviting the American theatre group Nature Theatre of Oklahoma?

Mirna Boustani: This famous group from the state of Oklahoma and the United States will perform in a different way, and their participation emphasizes our commitment to cultural diversity.

Al Shorfa: Have you confirmed the presence of the American group?

Mirna Boustani: The group gave me their acceptance and they will come.

Al Shorfa: What is the significance of this festival today?

Mirna Boustani: The Al Bustan Festival year after year is occupying a place among Lebanese and worldwide cultural festivals, and now in its 17th year it draws interest from foreign artists that we meet abroad and who express a desire to participate in the event.

The significance of this festival is that it puts us in touch with the world’s cultural activities such as Queen Elizabeth’s Competition for Music and the establishment of a circle of friends among foreign artists who encourage their colleagues to participate in the Al Bustan Festival.

Al Shorfa: To what extent does the Al Bustan Festival help shine a positive light on the reputation of Lebanon abroad?

Mirna Boustani: A lot. I encounter evidence when I travel. Many are quick to say that they have heard about the festival and its quality. This is encouraging when we hear it from foreigners. Their acknowledgment of the importance of the festival and its high level is an acknowledgement of the cultural status of Lebanon in the world, keeping in mind that this festival is to re-introduce Lebanese people to classical music.

Al Shorfa: Do many foreigners attend the festival?

Mirna Boustani: Before the recent events in Lebanon, we were receiving a foreign audience. Currently we hope that they return again to the festival, especially that Lebanon has been receiving guests from all over the world.

Al Shorfa: There is a focus on artists of Lebanese origin in the festivities. Is this due to nostalgia to return to the roots?

Mirna Boustani: What I noticed during meetings with several artists of Lebanese origin when we talked about holding an evening in the festival is that they are facing two contradictions. The first is their strong desire to come to Lebanon and get to know it, and the second being the fear of being welcomed as Lebanese and not as artists. I assure them that they were invited because they are great, distinguished artists. They want to participate in an organized festival yet they are afraid of Lebanon which they know as chaotic.

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