Fayha Choir from Lebanon's Tripoli has turned to crowdfunding to ensure it can keep on singing.
Established in 2003, the choir is composed of nearly 100 members, from all around Tripoli. Conducted by Maestro Barkev Taslakian, the choir's repertoire is composed of Latin, Armenian, French and English as well as Arabic music from various dialects including – but not limited to – Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian and Egyptian.
The group aims to develop and spread Arabic music, showcasing its importance and richness to the world. Up until recently, the group was receiving financial support from the local municipality and other cultural sponsors. However, although they've been around for 13 successful years, the group may lose its voice due to financial threats.
The choir has now turned to crowdfunding for financial support. The campaign was launched on Zoomaal, with the aim of raising $100,000. The money raised will ensure the choir remains intact, as well as cover the expenses that accompany their concert performances.
"With your help, we aim to raise an amount of $100,000. This money will make sure that we keep ownership and maintenance of our activity center where we very committedly rehearse. The money will also cover the expenditures which make it possible for more concert performances," the group says on its crowdfunding page .
The group has been quite successful over the years. In 2005, they won second prize at the Warsaw International Choir Festival. Two years after that, they snatched the first prize for Best International Choir and Best Choir Conductor.
In 2015, they achieved the Music Rights Award, which is the equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize in the music industry. 2016 was no stranger to the choir either, as they received the Choir of the Year award from Choir Fest Middle East in Dubai.
Today Fayha Choir is officially a member of the most important choral associations in the world: The International Federation for Choral Music and The European Choral Associations-Europa Cantat. Thirteen whole years in the industry shouldn't go to waste. Help the choir reach its goal to preserve our rich Middle Eastern culture.