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3. Yasmina Sabbah Fuses the Unexpected in Symphonic Electro-Dance

Just days before a concert that promises to be as surprising as it is original, Yasmina Sabbah, the conductor of the USJ Choir, speaks to This is Beirut about Symphonic Electro-Dance – a bold project that blends classical music with electronic beats, defying gravity in a country weighed down by crisis. The performance is set to take place on July 10 at Château Rweiss.

Picture the scene: a full symphony orchestra, a fifty-voice choir, a live DJ, a vocalist with oriental inflections – and a set list that spans Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris, Amr Diab and Najwa Karam. This isn’t a dreamscape – it’s Symphonic Electro-Dance, the latest installment of the Symphonic Fusion series launched by Saint-Joseph University in Beirut. Following the runaway success of Symphonic Rock, Yasmina Sabbah and her ensemble are taking on a giant of modern pop culture: EDM – electronic dance music.

At first glance, the idea borders on the implausible. How do you reconcile the synthetic layers of a DJ set with the soaring lines of a classical choir? How do you fuse two worlds that seem fundamentally opposed – score versus improvisation, precision versus pulse – without compromising either?

The answer lies in a deep-seated conviction that has guided Sabbah for years: music is a language that transcends genres – and crises. “Since 2019, we haven’t backed down once,” she says. “Despite enormous obstacles – the revolution, the COVID lockdowns, the financial collapse, even the war last September – we never canceled a single planned concert. We’ve carried out all three of our major annual productions. For us, canceling was never an option. The dedication of our choir, our orchestra and the loyalty of our audience have never wavered – and that’s proving true once again with Symphonic Electro-Dance. Of course, I was stressed every time. Of course, I always had at least five backup plans. But today, I’m immensely relieved that I was able to stick with plan A. If the past five years have taught us anything, it’s that we have to keep going – no matter what – and find a way forward. Giving up just isn’t who we are.”

From Beat to Breath

At its heart, this project is a transformation. EDM – the undisputed king of dance floors – is reshaped into orchestral form. Each piece, from Daft Punk to Najwa Karam, has been reimagined by Lebanese and international composers for orchestra and choir. Sabbah isn’t just rearranging these pieces; she’s breathing new life into them.

She explains, “I’m always eager to explore original combinations. And this time, what could be more unexpected than a live DJ accompanied by an orchestra and choir? While electronic music is fundamentally shaped by computers, I wanted to reverse the creative process. Far from the current trend of digitizing live music, we’re transforming electronic music into a full orchestral experience – infusing it with symphonic depth, choral voices and captivating arrangements. Working closely with the arrangers, each track is completely reimagined, giving it a new life. This isn’t just about orchestrating or expanding the sound; it’s about creating an entirely new musical identity for every song. Get ready to be surprised with every piece!”

Choosing Lady Gaga Over Beyoncé: Here’s Why

When asked about the repertoire, Sabbah answers candidly: “After listening to a vast number of songs, my selection was guided by two clear principles: either the melody or the groove immediately inspired me to completely reinterpret the piece, pushing me to reinvent it entirely; or the tracks felt so ‘standardized’ or ‘predictable’ that I was motivated by the challenge of transforming them into something truly innovative and engaging.”

The Choir as the Heart of the Fusion

Can you really sing Lady Gaga with the same discipline and precision as Handel? In Sabbah’s world, the answer is a resounding “yes” – provided the work is thorough. She shares, “I’m deeply grateful to these exceptional singers who dedicate countless hours to rehearsals and preparation. Their commitment is truly admirable. During rehearsals, we undertake enormous work on style and interpretation. It’s not unusual to move from Handel to MacMillan, and finish with Lady Gaga – all in a single session. It might sound crazy, I admit. But that strong classical foundation enables them to master complex harmonies, develop sharp musicality, and maintain impeccable technique. Their exploration of diverse styles – Indian music, tango, African rhythms, rock, baroque and contemporary, to name just a few – has given them an incredible adaptability across genres. We spend a lot of time annotating scores, studying diction, articulation, energy and mood. This detailed and demanding process allows them to approach any genre with remarkable precision, doing full justice to the music.”

One Stage, a World of Possibilities

On July 10, the stage will host a truly immersive experience. The USJ Symphony Orchestra and Choir will share the spotlight with Grammy-nominated American-Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa, whose powerful, nuanced voice will bring to life some of the most ambitious rearrangements. Scarlett Saad, one of Lebanon’s rising stars in live electronic music, will lead the electronic segment, delivering a performance crafted as a dialogue between her machines and the acoustic instruments.
This meeting of worlds goes beyond style – it embodies a clear artistic vision.

Beyond a mere musical achievement, Symphonic Electro-Dance is a story of resilience. Amid relentless crises, Sabbah has held firm, refusing to surrender to despair. Her orchestra has become a beacon of continuity, endurance and beauty.
This concert is more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful statement. A reminder that art is not a luxury but a necessity. Even in the face of adversity, we can create, transform, and above all, astonish.

She puts it simply: “Giving up just isn’t who we are.” That sentence sticks – not just as a motto, but as a call to action. It’s a reminder that music, when played with real conviction, can spark far more than a dance floor. It can stir a whole nation.