Lebanon's Fayha Choir turns to crowdfunding to keep singing

Established in 2003, Fayha Choir is composed of nearly 100 members, from all around Tripoli.

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.

Brazil now has a Lebanese president, Lebanon still doesn't

Michel Temer's parents immigrated from the village of Btaaboura in Lebanon.

As Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff faces trial following impeachment and suspension by the senate, Vice-President Michel Temer will now assume the role of president for the time being.

Although Temer was born in Brazil, his parents emigrated from the village of Btaaboura in Lebanon. He takes on the role of president amidst a massive economic recession and as numerous politicians, including Temer, face corruption charges even more serious than those plaguing Rousseff.

Temer holds a doctorate from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo and formerly served as state prosecutor and as state secretary for public security. Starting in 1987, he served six consecutive terms in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies.

He went on to become the chairman of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, which allied with Rousseff's Workers' party in 2007. This eventually lead to Temer's selection as Rousseff's vice-president when she took office in 2011.

Rousseff's trial could take up to 180 days, meaning Temer will likely be presiding over the country during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, starting on August 5.

Of course, Lebanese were quick to point out the irony of the situation...

Even Lebanese politicians noticed the irony...

And at least one Brazilian just hopes Temer is like her Lebanese friends, not Lebanese politicians...