This is Beirut

Elton John and McCartney Warn Against AI Threat to Artists

This is Beirut, 27/01 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

United Kingdom Artificial Intelligence Music Art

Two of Britain's leading music icons, Elton John and Paul McCartney, urged the UK government on Sunday to protect creative artists from AI, as ministers consult on changing copyright laws. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is considering overhauling the law to allow AI developers to use creators' content online to help develop their models, ...

Al-Bustan Festival: A New Dawn Driven by ‘Art that Saves Humanity’

Alain E. Andrea, 26/01 18:30 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Festival Art Music Culture

A contagious smile, tinged with pride, stretches across the lips of Laura Lahoud. Her enthusiasm is palpable, and she has no trouble showing it. As Vice President of the al-Bustan Festival, she warmly greets everyone who comes to offer their congratulations – and sometimes even their gratitude – after the press conference on January ...

Olivier Derivière: The Composer Who Brings Video Games to Life

This is Beirut, 26/01 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Music Art Culture France

Since the age of 6, Olivier Derivière has never left the world of video games, a passion that has led him to become one of the most prominent composers of video game music. At 46, this French musician works tirelessly, game controller in hand and sheet music in front of him, to provide players with a unique sonic experience. Scheduled for release ...

Yingge Dance: Martial Arts and Opera Spark Lunar New Year Excitement

This is Beirut, 25/01 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

China Art Music Dance

In the bustling streets of Shantou, a city in southern China, 40 young dancers clad in vibrant costumes and painted faces bring traditional performance art to life as they move to the rhythm of gongs and drums. Spectators line the streets, captivated by the energy and skill on display. This spirited celebration is part of a centuries-old dance ...

Hans Zimmer to Rearrange Saudi National Anthem as Part of Cultural Reforms

This is Beirut, 25/01 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Saudi Arabia Culture Art Music

Saudi Arabia has enlisted Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning German composer known for his film soundtracks, to "rearrange" (meaning to reorchestrate) its national anthem, a senior official from the kingdom announced. The artist, recognized for his iconic works such as those for The Lion King, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Dune (2021), has agreed to ...

Manel Mallat Brings Edith Piaf’s Legacy to Life at Casino du Liban

Marie-Christine Tayah, 24/01 18:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Music Concert Singer Lebanon Beirut Culture

Manel Mallat will take the stage at Casino du Liban on February 7 and 8, 2025, to perform Mon Hymne à Piaf, a tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf. Orchestrated by Danny Bou-Maroun and produced by Cats Production, the show is directed by Kristian Abouanni. This musical celebration promises to bring Piaf's timeless legacy to life, with ...

Timothée Chalamet Steps into Bob Dylan’s Shoes

This is Beirut, 24/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Music Film Cinema Culture Art Actor

Hollywood's prodigy, Timothée Chalamet, embodies the iconic folk artist Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biopic that earned eight Oscar nominations. Directed by James Mangold, known for Walk the Line and Le Mans 66, the film focuses on Dylan's early years in 1960s New York, a time when he carried a guitar on his back and shared ...

Ravel’s Boléro: A Timeless Masterpiece Shadowed by Heirs’ Greed

Alain E. Andrea, 23/01 16:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Art Music Ravel France

In 1928, at a time when the artistic world was in full effervescence and musical experimentation was at its peak, Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) composed his Boléro (M.81), a work that would quickly become one of the most famous pieces of Western 20th-century art music. Commissioned by the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein for a ballet, the piece ...

Bob Dylan’s Words, Music and Influence Transcend Generations

Madeleine Cadoux, 12/01 19:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Music Culture Art Singer Composer Writer

Bob Dylan remains an unparalleled force in music and culture, influencing generations through his profound lyrics and innovative sound. From his iconic songs to his unexpected ventures, Dylan’s legacy continues to shape the artistic world. With upcoming auctions and new releases, his timeless influence endures, reminding us why he’s a true ...

'Cornucopia': Björk’s Visionary Blend of Art and Environmental Advocacy

Madeleine Cadoux, 12/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Music Book Culture Art Paris

Björk continues to push boundaries in art, music, and environmental advocacy with several groundbreaking initiatives this year. Her latest accomplishments include the release of Cornucopia: The Book, a meticulous documentation of her five-year Cornucopia tour. Designed by M/M Paris and featuring photography by Santiago Felipe, the book showcases ...

'Freekeh' Explores Grief Through Theater, Cooking, and Music

Marie-Christine Tayah, 09/01 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Music Theater Cooking Culture Performance Art

In Freekeh: It’s Been 40 Days Since My Aunt Passed Away, Hiba Najem delivers an immersive experience that combines theater, cooking, and memory. Inspired by the traditional forty-day mourning ritual, the performance explores the emotions tied to grief and the evolution of family traditions. Accompanied by Samah Boulmona on the accordion, Freekeh ...

At 80, Rod Stewart Continues His Rocking Music Legacy

This is Beirut, 09/01 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Music Celebration Culture Art Singer Concert

Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer the world with a string of megahits, turns 80 on Friday — with no plans to slow down. Stewart, with his distinctive spiky blond hair and raspy voice, dominated pop charts during the 1970s and 1980s with hits like Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? and Young Turks, amassing more than 250 million record sales ...

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