Lebanon's Beiteddine Festival announces summer lineup

As one of the leading cultural festivals in the Middle East, the Beiteddine Art Festival doesn't often fail to impress. The 2016 summer's lineup is no exception, featuring impressive regional and international acts running from July 8 to Aug. 10.

Held in a 200-year-old palace, situated picturesquely in Lebanon's Chouf Mountains, the location coupled with the lineup of international acts draws thousands each summer. Taking a look at this year's program, one can assume 2016 will be no exception.

The festival was first launched in 1985 during Lebanon's civil war. It was meant to be a symbol of hope during a troubled time. Now, just more than 30 years later, the festival continues to provide a beacon of hope amidst local and regional instability and political tensions.

Here is the schedule for the 2016 Beiteddine Art Festival:

"'The Merchants of Bollywood' is a turbo-charged, joyfully uplifting show featuring a cast of over 40 performers adorned in 1200 different eye-popping costumes and 5000 pieces of glistening jewellery. This electrifying show features high-energy music by award-winning composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant," according to the Beiteddine Festival website .

"Well-known for his hits 'Kiss from a Rose' and 'Crazy,' the King of British Soul and Pop will be singing his most famous tunes in Beiteddine! With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide and 4 Grammy awards, Seal’s unique fusion of soul, folk, pop, RnB and rock makes him one of the top performers of the 90’s."

"Renowned choreographer Angelin Preljocaj presents a futuristic vision of 'Roméo & Juliette.' Resolutely contemporary, his creation adapts the historical background to modern times: the legendary story takes place in a totalitarian regime, and the fight between clans is replaced by a political and social confrontation highlighted by the furious, yet tender music of Sergei Prokofiev. Decor and costumes by Enki Bilal."

"'Yamal el Sham' brings together top Arab artists under the sign of hope, peace and tolerance. The great oud masters Naseer Shamma and Charbel Rouhana offer an outstanding performance alongside with exceptionnal singer Lena Chamamyan, accompanied by Lebanese oriental orchestra and Canadian ensemble OktoEcho directed by Katia Makdissi-Warren."

"In homage to the legendary composer, singer and songwriter Zaki Nassif who has lead the Lebanese music scene over five decades, Lebanese stars Soumaya Baalbaki, Joseph Attieh, Ziad Ahmadiye, Ranine Chaar & Guy Manoukian on the piano will interpret Zaki Nassif’s eternal songs from 'Tallou hbabna to Ya achikati el wardi.' These outstanding artists will be accompanied by a 60 piece orchestra and choir conducted by Elie Aliah."

"Egyptian heart surgeon-turned-satirist Bassem Youssef left Egypt in 2014 after his megahit show 'El Bernameg' (The Program) - on which he sarcastically criticized top polls of all stripes - became too dangerous to produce. Named as one of the world’s 100 Most Influential People by Time magazine in 2013, Bassem Youssef will be presenting a special 'Bernameg' for his Lebanese fans in Beiteddine!"

"The eternal crooner of love will be back, once again, to Beiteddine for two memorable nights! The most awaited event of this summer!"

"Buika has an incredibly powerful and striking voice. She captures the passion of Flamenco with an afro-cuban and jazz-infused style. 'A singer like Buika comes only once in a generation' – The New York Post. Carminho has mesmerized the world with her outstanding voice and is one of the most talented and innovative Fado singers of her generation."

"This exhibition features photos and documents reflecting the recent destruction of Syrian heritage as well as archaeological Palmyrian pieces from the AUB Museum."